Retired Assistant Research Professor
Department: Flathead Lake Biological Station
University System: University of Montana -
Website(s): https://flbs.umt.edu/newflbs/about-flbs/people/page-elements/flbs-people/people/bonnie-ellis/
Professional Summary:
I am a limnologist with interests in both lake and stream ecosystems. I am most interested in understanding the physical, biological and chemical factors that control the distribution and abundance of biota. The focus of my Flathead Lake research is on understanding those factors controlling the production of algae. Of the 300 largest lakes in the world, Flathead Lake is one of the most pristine. It has been our great fortune to have maintained a long-term record (i.e., 30 years) of phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass and species distribution, nutrient loading, primary productivity, water clarity and many other important chemical and physical parameters. Determining which natural and anthropogenic factors are of greatest importance in regulating primary productivity in the Lake is one of the major goals of my work.