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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.

Key Values of a Century of EESC Science

EESC Makes an Impact

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Learn how EESC science is applied to today's biggest issues.

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

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News

EESC in the News: PFAS Found in Cape Cod Bass May Help Inform Public Health Decisions

EESC in the News: PFAS Found in Cape Cod Bass May Help Inform Public Health Decisions

Fish fry: Maryland uses electrofishing to glimpse blue catfish invasion

Fish fry: Maryland uses electrofishing to glimpse blue catfish invasion

USGS Assesses New Elk Feeding Criteria to Address CWD and Habitat Impacts

USGS Assesses New Elk Feeding Criteria to Address CWD and Habitat Impacts

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Publications

Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers

The lands and waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide more than $100 billion in economic benefits- an amount that is expected to increase by achieving the region’s clean-water goals. Achieving those goals requires accurate and timely information about the health of the watershed’s rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay nontidal monitoring network (NTN), a partnership of local...
Authors
James Webber, Kaylyn Gootman, Kenneth Hyer, Peter Tango, Douglas Moyer
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

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...
Authors
Rodney Richardson, Grace Avalos, Cameron Garland, Regina Trott, Olivia Hager, Mark Hepner, Clayton Raines, Karen Goodell
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard A short-term sublethal oral exposure to microcystin-LR disrupts cecal microbiome homeostasis in mallard

Introduction: The frequency of cyanobacterial blooms seems to have increased globally in recent decades due to human induced eutrophication and climate change. Cyanobacterial blooms can produce several groups of toxins, among which microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most abundant. Effects of MC-LR on avian microbiome have not been studied and studies in laboratory murines have been...
Authors
Serguei Drovetski, Valerie Shearn-Bochsler, Erik Hofmeister, Natalie Karouna-Reiner, Robert Dusek
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Science

view of shrubs leading into the ocean, blue skys

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
USGS research on coastal and nearshore ecosystems informs wildlife and fisheries management

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.
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Deer grazing in a hayfield during the evening on farmland in Chilmark, Massachusetts

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...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
EESC Makes an Impact: Empowering State-led Wildlife Management

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...
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Image: Brook Trout Sampling

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...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
EESC Makes an Impact: Enhancing Recreational & Commercial Fishing

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...
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