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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 healthy 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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News

Fall 2026 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group

Fall 2026 Highlights from EESC’s Disease Decision Analysis and Research Group

EESC in the News: Sturgeon Genetics

EESC in the News: Sturgeon Genetics

EESC in the News: Flow Photo Explorer

EESC in the News: Flow Photo Explorer

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Publications

Cotton farming pesticides affect ileal microbiota activity expressions of virulome but not resistome or metabolic pathways in a sedentary wild passerine Cotton farming pesticides affect ileal microbiota activity expressions of virulome but not resistome or metabolic pathways in a sedentary wild passerine

The increased use of agrochemicals to enhance crop production has had detrimental environmental effects including implication in the sharp decline of North American farmland-breeding birds. Here, using a combination of deep shotgun metatranscriptomics and pesticide exposure data, we sought to assess whether exposure to cotton (Gossypium spp.) production had a differential effect on ileum...
Authors
Sergei V. Drovetski, Michelle L. Hladik, Carolina F. Ferreira, Dana W. Kolpin, Gary Voelker
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Decision analysis of long-term research and monitoring investments for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program Decision analysis of long-term research and monitoring investments for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program

Congressional authorization of the Water Resource Development Act of 2020 increased funding for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) program and its Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element. With adequate resources there is an opportunity for LTRM to expand its understanding of the Upper Mississippi River System, address unmet partner information needs, and better inform...
Authors
Max Post van der Burg, Jeffrey N. Houser, David R. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Ecological transformations of coastal wetlands of the conterminous United States in response to contemporaneous sea-level rise Ecological transformations of coastal wetlands of the conterminous United States in response to contemporaneous sea-level rise

Coastal wetlands are among the most important ecosystems on the planet but are increasingly imperiled by accelerating sea-level rise (SLR). In the past, biogeomorphic feedbacks have allowed coastal wetlands to adjust vertically and persist through periods of accelerated SLR. Recent rates of SLR are faster than any in recent geologic history, making the fate of coastal wetlands highly...
Authors
Justine Annaliese Neville, Katya E. Kovalenko, Gregg A. Snedden, Michael J. Osland, Karen M. Thorne, Laura C. Feher, Michelle C. Moorman, Jena A. Moon, Ken W. Krauss, James B. Grace, Tiffany C. Lane, Colt R. Sanspree, Donald R. Cahoon, Glenn R. Guntenspergen
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Science

Scientist reaches into stream

39 Years of Stream Conditions Show Widespread Biological Changes Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

USGS scientists predicted stream biological conditions across the Chesapeake Bay watershed from 1985 through 2023, revealing widespread changes but only a ~1% increase in stream length classified as improved. These predicted improvements fell short of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s goal of improving the health of 10% of streams by 2025.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
39 Years of Stream Conditions Show Widespread Biological Changes Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

39 Years of Stream Conditions Show Widespread Biological Changes Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

USGS scientists predicted stream biological conditions across the Chesapeake Bay watershed from 1985 through 2023, revealing widespread changes but only a ~1% increase in stream length classified as improved. These predicted improvements fell short of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s goal of improving the health of 10% of streams by 2025.
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Contaminants in Blue Catfish: Implications for Human, Wildlife, and Environmental Health

As blue catfish become increasingly harvested, recent studies are showing signs that these fish may contain detectable levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other contaminants. Measuring PFAS in their blood and heavy metals, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and microplastics from filets will help determine potential health effects for people, animals, and the environment.
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
Contaminants in Blue Catfish: Implications for Human, Wildlife, and Environmental Health

Contaminants in Blue Catfish: Implications for Human, Wildlife, and Environmental Health

As blue catfish become increasingly harvested, recent studies are showing signs that these fish may contain detectable levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other contaminants. Measuring PFAS in their blood and heavy metals, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and microplastics from filets will help determine potential health effects for people, animals, and the environment.
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Man on boat holding pole with mirror on the end to look inside osprey nest built on aid to navigation without disturbing nest

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population and the Availability of Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) as Their Food Source in Chesapeake Bay: Historical and Present-day Comparison

USGS is collaborating with many biologists in analysis of data on osprey ( Pandion haliaetus) and their prey (menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, and other species of fish) in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The data compiled and collected will help determine if a lack of menhaden or other environmental factors are affecting osprey reproductive success in portions of the...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population and the Availability of Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) as Their Food Source in Chesapeake Bay: Historical and Present-day Comparison

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population and the Availability of Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) as Their Food Source in Chesapeake Bay: Historical and Present-day Comparison

USGS is collaborating with many biologists in analysis of data on osprey ( Pandion haliaetus) and their prey (menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, and other species of fish) in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The data compiled and collected will help determine if a lack of menhaden or other environmental factors are affecting osprey reproductive success in portions of the...
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