Zooplankton play an important role in a lake’s ecosystem and food chain. Unlike
algae, or phytoplankton, zooplankton are microscopic animals that do not
produce their own food. They are responsible for eating millions of little algae
that may otherwise grow to an out-of-control state. In fact, as mostly filter
feeders, a community of zooplankton can filter through the volume of an entire
lake in a matter of days! However, not all algae are edible and oftentimes it’s the
blue green algae that we would like to see disappear that can’t be eaten.
Zooplankton are also a valuable food source for planktivorous fish and other
organisms. The presence or absence of healthy zooplankton populations can
determine some commercial fisheries success in both fresh and salt water bodies.
By insuring that the lower parts of the food chain are healthy, we can protect the
higher ordered organisms, like fish, whales and even us humans.