Heterosporis sutherlandae has a high environmental impact in the Great Lakes. Yellow perch is the only species in which impacts have been realized (GLFHC 2012, IDNR 2005, Sutherland 2002, Sutherland et al. 2004). Prevalence of this parasite in Great Lakes yellow perch can range between 5% and 30%, with the majority of infections at 20% (Sutherland 2002). However, because of the wide range of Great Lakes native species susceptible to infection this species is assessed as having a high environmental impact in this region.
Declines to the Great Lakes Yellow perch stocks are believed to stress predator-prey relationships. There is no evidence to show this parasite causes fish mortality directly, but the destruction of muscle in infected fish increases susceptibility to predation (Goodwin 2008, Sutherland 2002).
Laboratory-based infections of Heterosporis sutherlandae have been observed in many additional Great Lakes native species (GLFHC 2012, IDNR 2005, Sutherland 2002, Sutherland et al. 2004).
There is little or no evidence to support that Heterosporis sutherlandae has significant socio-economic impacts in the Great Lakes.
Lake Ontario commercial fisheries are concerned about the economic impacts of Heterosporis sutherlandae as infected fish suffer a significant loss of muscle tissue and are not marketable (IDNR 2005, Sutherland 2002). Sutherland (2002) has also expressed concern that the presence of Heterosporis sutherlandae in Lake Michigan may significantly impede the recovery of depressed Yellow perch stocks, which have experienced population declines in Lake Michigan over the past decade. Economic impacts to the Lake Erie Yellow perch fisheries could be realized if this parasite becomes established there.
Laboratory-based infections of Heterosporis sp. have been observed in commercially valuable Great Lakes native and non-native species . Economic impacts to wild and cultured populations could be realized if natural infections are observed.
There is little or no evidence to support that Heterosporis sutherlandae has significant beneficial effects in the Great Lakes.
While there have been no field observations of biological control of nonnative species in the Great Lakes, Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Goldfish (Carassius auratus) appear to be highly susceptible to infection by Heterosporis sp. based on laboratory experiments (Sutherland 2002, Sutherland et al. 2004).