Fish and Aquatic Species

American Shad ( Alosa sapidissima), Blueback Herring ( Alosa aestivalis), and Alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus; collectively “alosines”) once supported large fisheries along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. However, impassable migration barriers, declines in habitat quality, and exploitation have led to declines in many spawning populations. Substantial resources have been invested to support the recovery...

A new study aims to collect information on sturgeon temporal and spatial distribution to inform offshore wind energy and sand leasing operations.

The Gulf sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, has been listed as Threatened since 1991. Beginning in 1986, USGS has been investigating sturgeon population abundance and ecology throughout its range, but mostly in the Suwannee River.

Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.

USGS scientists are using innovative combinations of telemetry, genetics, and side-scan Sonar to support conservation of endangered Atlantic sturgeon ( Acipenser o. oxyrinchus).

USGS scientists are studying American shad ( Alosa sapidissima), blueback herring ( Alosa aestivalis), and alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus; collectively “alosines”) to develop robust genetic baselines that will inform management practices for individual species.

USGS is working to identify an improved fishway entrance design for two at-risk species, blueback herring ( Alosa aestivalis) and alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus).

USGS is working to establish a new East Coast fish ladder design that would help a multitude of aquatic species move easier in our waterways.

USGS scientists are studying the passage, migration and critical habitat of the Atlantic ( Acipenser oxyrhinchus oxyrhinchus) and shortnose ( Acipenser brevirostrum) sturgeon in New England waters to provide managers with population-specific details upon which effective steps can be taken to protect these endangered species.

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.

USGS is working with federal, state and local partners to develop multiple assessments of stream and river conditions in non-tidal areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These assessments will help managers preserve stream health and improve biological conditions in impaired streams as the human population and climate continue to change in this region.

Rainbow trout are a desirable sport fish that have been introduced in many locations around the world, including the Colorado River. Although introductions of rainbow trout and other nonnative fishes provide recreational fishing opportunities, they can also pose threats to native fish populations. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program has tasked scientists and managers with identifying...