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Cooperative Research Units

Our website is currently undergoing a major update. Be sure to visit regularly for the latest enhancements. Last updated September 15, 2025.

Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: to work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. We support 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities. Our Program Office is in Reston, Virginia.

2024 Program Facts

2023 Year in Review

American beachgrass planted near South Beach in Edgartown, MA (looking east) - sunrise

We have more than 700 research projects under way and generate 400-500 scientific publications annually.

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10-year Overview

Many elk of various ages, some with antlers, some without all face the same direction with a hazy background. Steam rises from all around them.

Supporting Fish and Wildlife agency partners for natural resource management since 1935.

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Where's our Science?

We support 43 units in 41 states, at 44 host universities, with a Program office at USGS National Center.

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Publications

December 2, 2025

Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States

Daily ring counts in young-of-the-year fishes are important for estimating important vital rates, such as growth, mortality, and timing of hatch. To accurately estimate some of these rates, the timing of the first daily ring must be estimated accurately. Variation in the timing of the first daily ring can be attributed to many factors, including biology of the species and experience of...

Authors

James Long, Richard Snow

Cooperative Research Units

November 26, 2025

Trophic assessment of potential competition between invasive cichlids and sport fish in Puerto Rico reservoirs Trophic assessment of potential competition between invasive cichlids and sport fish in Puerto Rico reservoirs

Objective Several species of New World cichlids have recently invaded reservoirs in Puerto Rico, potentially jeopardizing established recreationally important, albeit nonnative, sport fish populations. Interactions between invasive species and important sport fish must be understood so that they can be mitigated when feasible. This study compared monthly prey consumption between three...

Authors

J. Neal, Jacob Moreland, Corey Dunn, Peter Allen

Cooperative Research Units

November 17, 2025

Population demographics of invasive Silver Carp in a Great Plains river network Population demographics of invasive Silver Carp in a Great Plains river network

Objective Knowledge of invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix population demographics and distributions may inform estimates of efforts necessary to achieve reductions in abundance and identify locations to conduct removal. Although extensively studied in other parts of their invasive range (e.g., Mississippi and Illinois rivers), less is known regarding Silver Carp population

Authors

Blake Logan, Mark Pegg, Kirk Steffensen, Jonathan Spurgeon

Cooperative Research Units

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