Aquatic Ecosystems

In this study, USGS scientists from multiple centers used advanced hyperspectral imaging techniques to advance monitoring of attached benthic algae (periphyton) in Cascade Range rivers used for municipal water supply. Periphyton are naturally occurring, but excess growth can harm ecosystems and degrade raw and treated drinking water quality. In these rivers, periphyton contain cyanobacteria that...

The Herpetological Research Team is using acoustic surveys and eDNA methods to evaluate the progress of invasive bullfrog removal and Oregon spotted frog recovery.

The Herpetological Research Team is recording audio in areas where American bullfrogs have invaded to learn more about where and when they are breeding and inform managers tasked with controlling their spread.

We are using environmental DNA samples to assess habitat occupancy of the invasive southern house mosquito in Kīpahulu Valley, Maui. An understanding of mosquito distribution is critical to developing and implementing tools to prevent the transmission of avian malaria, a primary threat to Hawaiian forest birds.