Q$1)$ A hypothetical non$-$native fish species, the Silverfin Snapper, has recently been introduced to your region's freshwater lakes. This species is highly adaptable, reproduces rapidly, and thrives in both shallow vegetated areas and open water. It is a generalist feeder, consuming algae, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates, which make it a strong competitor against native fish species. $(17$pts$)$

Key characteristics of Silverfin Snapper:

$$ Reproductive strategy: Broadcast spawner, reproduces in the spring. Releases eggs and sperm into shallow, slow$-$moving areas with dense vegetation.

$$ Lifespan: Up to $10$ years, with rapid growth in the first two years. Eggs will only hatch in waters between $6075$F$.$

$$ Behavior: Forms dense schools, often in shallow, nearshore waters.

a$.$ In $3-5$ sentences, design a method to monitor the population size and trends of the Silverfin Snapper. Your plan should include an explanation of the plan$$s feasibility, data quality, and potential limitations $(5$pts$).$

$$

b$.$ Propose two specific ways to target this fish population to reduce their reproductive success or survivability. How might each of these methods affect the behavior or physiology of the Silverfin Snapper? $(4$pts$)$

$$

$$

c$.$ Provide two examples for how the presence of the Silverfin Snapper could influence existing species interactions within a lake community $($these can refer to broad trophic levels like $$apex predators$).(2$pts$).$

$$

d$.$ For one example provided in part c$,$ hypothesize whether disruptions in that interaction could lead to trophic cascades or other changes in community stability in a highly biodiverse lake compared to a lake with low biodiversity and explain your reasoning $(2$pts$).$

$$

$$

Large populations of the Silverfin Snapper have led to smaller populations of primary producers. Design an observational study to infer how this change disrupts energy transfer across all trophic levels in an ecosystem and be sure to use adequate controls. $(4$pts$)$