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Fish Passage Technologies

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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

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News

Notes From The Field: Wintering Rosy-Finches

Notes From The Field: Wintering Rosy-Finches

Cycle of a Bird Band

Cycle of a Bird Band

Every Bird Counts – Delivering Gold Standard Science for North America’s Birds

Every Bird Counts – Delivering Gold Standard Science for North America’s Birds

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Publications

Range-wide relative abundance of the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus centaureae wyandot) in the Eastern United States Range-wide relative abundance of the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus centaureae wyandot) in the Eastern United States

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper [AGS]) to be at-risk, based on its declining populations and the lack of information on its status. The objective of this study was to complete range-wide surveys to locate extant AGS colonies and to quantify the number of AGS observed at each location. From 2021–24, 284 surveys...
Authors
Nimish B. Vyas, Jennifer Selfridge, David Cuthrell, Robert Somes, Erin White, Judith Ratcliffe, J. Merrill Lynch, Laurie Hamon, Eileen Wyza, Betsy Leppo, Pete Woods, Anthony Tur, Donovan Drummey, Kathryn Nolan, Ellison Orcutt, Andrew Rapp, Leah Card, Jakob Goldner, Susan Olcott
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey Analysis of alternative weir designs for improved passage of select fish at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgaging weir at Blackwells Mills, New Jersey

As the population of New Jersey continues to remain dense, the need for water supply will likely continue to be high, which can lead to water managers needing to make difficult decisions about managing drinking-water supply. Streamgaging weirs like the ones used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) play a critical role in providing accurate and stable streamflow data, but their presence...
Authors
Thomas P. Suro, Michal J. Niemoczynski, Kevin B. Mulligan
By
New Jersey Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Regional conservation planning tool: A spreadsheet model to support spatial prioritization and resource allocation decisions Regional conservation planning tool: A spreadsheet model to support spatial prioritization and resource allocation decisions

Prioritization is a central component of natural resource management because conservation needs routinely exceed available resources. Waterfowl and wetland conservation programs in North America are at the forefront of landscape-scale prioritization and transboundary management decisions due to the migratory nature of ducks, geese, and swans. The growing availability of geographic...
Authors
Anastasia Couvillon, Gregory J. Soulliere, David H. Gordon, Diane Eggeman, Mohammed A Al-Saffar, Dale D. Humburg, James E. Lyons
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Science

Common Tern Chick and Egg

Colonial Nesting Waterbird Ecology

USGS is engaged in a variety of research aimed at understanding population dynamics in colonially nesting waterbirds of the Chesapeake Bay. Much of this work focuses on how focal species such as Common and Least Terns, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, and others respond to habitat restoration and management on Poplar Island, a large-scale effort lead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Colonial Nesting Waterbird Ecology

Colonial Nesting Waterbird Ecology

USGS is engaged in a variety of research aimed at understanding population dynamics in colonially nesting waterbirds of the Chesapeake Bay. Much of this work focuses on how focal species such as Common and Least Terns, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, and others respond to habitat restoration and management on Poplar Island, a large-scale effort lead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of...
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A small fluffy light brown chick with dark speckles is held in hand.

Novel Management Techniques for Colonial Nesting Waterbirds

This project focuses on USGS collaborating with USFWS colleagues to understand how management practices on Poplar Island impact target and non-target wildlife species.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Novel Management Techniques for Colonial Nesting Waterbirds

Novel Management Techniques for Colonial Nesting Waterbirds

This project focuses on USGS collaborating with USFWS colleagues to understand how management practices on Poplar Island impact target and non-target wildlife species.
Learn More
Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus

Avian Influenza Research at EESC

Emergence of avian influenza viruses with the potential to be highly pathogenic to poultry, wild birds, and humans cause serious concern for the global economic and public health sectors. Researchers at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center study multiple aspects of avian influenza viruses in wild birds as well as their implications for commercial agriculture with a special emphasis on...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, International Programs
Avian Influenza Research at EESC

Avian Influenza Research at EESC

Emergence of avian influenza viruses with the potential to be highly pathogenic to poultry, wild birds, and humans cause serious concern for the global economic and public health sectors. Researchers at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center study multiple aspects of avian influenza viruses in wild birds as well as their implications for commercial agriculture with a special emphasis on...
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