Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Fish Passage Technologies

Explore our Science

Decision Science and Quantitative Methods

Explore our Science

Bird and Terrestrial Species Conservation

Explore our science

Fish and Aquatic Species Conservation

Explore our science

Pollinator Conservation

Explore our science

Fish and Wildlife Disease Investigation and Surveillance

Explore our science

Freshwater and Coastal Ecology

Explore our science

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.

Our Research Portfolio

EESC's Latest Findings

A light brown and white duck with a black bill and black eyes spreads its wings as it floats on the water.

Search for EESC publications by location, author, year or keyword. 

Publication Mapper

Connect with Us

Woman wearing overalls and carrying a net in a flower field

Find locations, staff profiles and contact information for our team. 

Meet the EESC Team

EESC Quick Links

Enjoy these quick links to learn more about EESC!

Follow us on Facebook!

News

USGS Joins the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance to Combat Bird Collisions

USGS Joins the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance to Combat Bird Collisions

EESC in the News: The Legacy of Patuxent

EESC in the News: The Legacy of Patuxent

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

View All

Publications

Using community-reported data to understand how boat speed affects marine wildlife: An example with the Florida manatee Using community-reported data to understand how boat speed affects marine wildlife: An example with the Florida manatee

Boat collisions are a known and increasing threat to many marine wildlife populations. The Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris is a key example of a species with high boat-related mortality, whose long-term viability and population are limited by human activities in shared habitats. The goal of this work was to quantify the probability of lethal injury to Florida manatees...
Authors
Bea Combs-Hintze, Jeffrey A. Hostetler, C.S. Calleson, B. Basset, C. Ainsworth, Julien Martin
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Stock composition of cryptic Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the Restigouche River and estuary, Canada Stock composition of cryptic Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the Restigouche River and estuary, Canada

The Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is an important species in eastern North America due to its conservation status and cultural significance. Local Mi'gmaw fishers have reported an increase in sturgeon sightings over the last decade in the Restigouche River and estuary. Mi’gmaw Knowledge, oral history, and archaeological finds attest to their historical presence in...
Authors
N.J. Daigle, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, David C. Kazyak, C.E. Verhille, C.A. Gillis, C.F.D. Sacobie
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Salmonid sensory system development is affected by climate change driven temperature increases Salmonid sensory system development is affected by climate change driven temperature increases

Increases in water temperature due to global climate change are known to alter the course and timing of fish development. The mechanosensory lateral line (LL) system mediates flow-sensing behaviors vital for survival in fishes, but the effects of increased water temperatures resulting from climate change on its development have not been examined. Here LL development was documented in a...
Authors
Aubree Jones, Matthew J. O'Donnell, Amy M. Regish, Jacqueline Webb
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
View All

Science

Tracking migratory movements with satellite telemetry.

USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, International Programs
USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
Learn More
Telemetry tracks for 42 Blue-winged Teal over grid depicting poultry abundance

Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), International Programs
Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
Learn More
Hands hold up brown goose wearing a brown GPS collar

Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

USGS researchers are collaborating with partners around the globe to leverage new and existing telemetry data to answer broad scale questions about factors influencing avian movement and migration.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory, International Programs
Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

USGS researchers are collaborating with partners around the globe to leverage new and existing telemetry data to answer broad scale questions about factors influencing avian movement and migration.
Learn More
View All
Was this page helpful?