Decision Science and Quantitative Methods
Bird and Terrestrial Species Conservation
Fish and Aquatic Species Conservation
Pollinator Conservation
Fish and Wildlife Disease Investigation and Surveillance
Freshwater and Coastal Ecology
Eastern Ecological Science Center
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) strives to provide world-class science to inform natural resource decisions that preserve and enhance our quality of life.
The land and water we live on and around shapes our lives. We share responsibility for the heathy fish, wildlife and landscapes that are assets to current and future generations.
EESC works directly with managers of our shared natural resources to provide the unbiased scientific tools, research and innovations needed to make informed decisions in today’s complex and rapidly changing conditions.
EESC’s broad expertise spans from mountain streams to deep oceans and the lands in between, supporting stewardship of a wide range of species and habitats.
Unique facilities in Maryland, Massachusetts and West Virginia help EESC deliver the reliable, actionable science that partners need to effectively conserve our treasured natural resources.
EESC Makes an Impact
EESC Makes an Impact
Learn how EESC science is applied to today's biggest issues.
Connect with Us
Connect with Us
Find locations, staff profiles and contact information for our team.
News
USGS Assesses New Elk Feeding Criteria to Address CWD and Habitat Impacts
USGS Assesses New Elk Feeding Criteria to Address CWD and Habitat Impacts
Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group
Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group
EESC in the News: Scientists see trouble in the number of osprey chicks in the Chesapeake Bay
EESC in the News: Scientists see trouble in the number of osprey chicks in the Chesapeake Bay
Publications
Sensitive environmental DNA methods for low-risk surveillance of at-risk bumble bees Sensitive environmental DNA methods for low-risk surveillance of at-risk bumble bees
Terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques have been proposed as a means of sensitive, non-lethal pollinator monitoring. To date, however, no studies have provided evidence that eDNA methods can achieve detection sensitivity on par with traditional pollinator surveys. Using a large-scale dataset of eDNA and corresponding net surveys, we show that eDNA methods enable sensitive...
A simple predictive model for salt marsh internal deterioration under sea-level rise and sediment deficits: Application to Chesapeake Bay A simple predictive model for salt marsh internal deterioration under sea-level rise and sediment deficits: Application to Chesapeake Bay
Salt marshes are dynamic biogeomorphic systems reliant on autochthonous and allochthonous input to maintain their three-dimensional configuration. Sea-level rise, subsidence, and sediment deficits can lead to submergence, open-water expansion, and ultimately loss of the vegetated marsh plain and associated ecosystem services. Widely used management-focused models focus on vegetation...
Apicomplexan and non-metazoan microeukaryotes in the thermosensitive reef-building coral Acropora hyacinthus shift in abundance throughout an extreme coral bleaching event Apicomplexan and non-metazoan microeukaryotes in the thermosensitive reef-building coral Acropora hyacinthus shift in abundance throughout an extreme coral bleaching event
Coral reefs play vital roles in global marine systems and are currently facing increased threats of bleaching. Coral bleaching is heavily influenced by the host-associated microeukaryote community – most notably the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae. The apicomplexan family Corallicolidae, is the second most abundant member of the microeukaryote community, yet their role in coral...
Science
USGS research on coastal and nearshore ecosystems informs wildlife and fisheries management
Coastal ecosystems are where the land and sea meet. USGS coastal science plays a critical role in supporting effective, science-based management of coastal ecosystems. USGS helps decision-makers navigate complex ecosystem challenges.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
EESC Makes an Impact: Empowering State-led Wildlife Management
Management of state natural resources is a collaborative effort between state governments, federal agencies, tribal governments, and local stakeholders. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) supports state-led wildlife management with research that clarifies complex issues, enhances scientific quality and communication, broadens solution options, and enables cost-sharing and mutual...
EESC Makes an Impact: Enhancing Recreational & Commercial Fishing
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) provides world-class science to inform natural resource decisions on aquatic ecosystems, species populations and management, disease, and invasive species. Our scientific products represent critical contributions that enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of recreational and commercial fishing. In the United States, anglers contribute...