Fish and Aquatic Species
Fish and Aquatic Species
The USGS is the only federal science agency dedicated to providing independent research that supports the conservation and management of the nation’s fisheries. Our researchers develop and apply specialized tools such as genetic tracking, hydrologic modeling, and fish disease diagnostics to answer the most pressing questions facing federal, Tribal, state, and local resource managers.
Filter Total Items: 154
Genomics to Aid Conservation and restoration of the Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) and Tidewater Mucket (Atlanticoncha ochracea)
Due to the rapid decline in abundance of Yellow Lampmussel ( Lampsilis cariosa) and Tidewater Mucket ( Atlanticoncha ochracea), USGS and partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Central Michigan University (CMU) are conducting an assessment of genetic diversity and population structure to inform appropriate recommendations for conservation and management of each species. These...
Prey Availability
Migratory wildlife need to balance the benefits of migration and reproduction with the physiological costs. This is particularly challenging in dynamic environments like wetlands, where food levels can vary greatly from year to year. For shorebirds in the Great Basin region, saline or terminal lakes provide essential habitats during their annual life cycle. To understand how changes in hydrology...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
Alosine Genetic Stock Identification and Tissue Repository
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...
Sturgeon Occurrence and Behavior in the Outer Continental Shelf
A new study aims to collect information on sturgeon temporal and spatial distribution to inform offshore wind energy and sand leasing operations.
Gulf Sturgeon Ecological Investigations
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 Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Supporting Interstate Conservation of Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrinchus) Using Genetics, Telemetry, and Side-scan Sonar
USGS scientists are using innovative combinations of telemetry, genetics, and side-scan Sonar to support conservation of endangered Atlantic sturgeon ( Acipenser o. oxyrinchus).
Conservation Genetics of American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) and River Herring (Alosa aestivalis and Alosa pseudoharengus)
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.
Fish Passage Research to Identify the Ideal Fishway Entrance for River Herring (Alosa spp)
USGS is working to identify an improved fishway entrance design for two at-risk species, blueback herring ( Alosa aestivalis) and alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus).
Development and Evaluation of the Novel East Coast Fish Ladder
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.
Passage, Migration and Critical Habitat of Atlantic (Acipenser oxyrhinchus oxyrhinchus) and Shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum) Sturgeons in New England Waters
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.
Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology
USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.