How does a Alewife effect the Great Lakes?

The alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a small, herring-like fish that is native to the Atlantic Ocean. It was introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1950s and quickly became a dominant species. Alewives feed on zooplankton, which are small, drifting animals that are essential for the food chain. By consuming zooplankton, alewives reduce the amount of food available for other fish, such as salmon, trout, and whitefish. Alewives also compete with native fish for food and habitat. In addition, alewives can carry diseases that can be transmitted to other fish. The introduction of alewives to the Great Lakes has had a significant impact on the food chain and the overall health of the lakes.