Adam Sepulveda, Ph.D.
My research program focuses on aquatic invasive species risk assessment, early detection, and management in the West. I coordinate the Rapid Environmental DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) project associated with the U.S. Department of the Interior National Early Detection Rapid Response program.
Research Interests
Adam Sepulveda’s research program provides science to inform aquatic invasive species management. Focal elements of his research program include:
- Research to operations of autonomous environmental (e)DNA samplers to improve detection rates
- Development of standardized procedures and statistical approaches to ensure confidence in eDNA results
- Decision support and communication tools to facilitate the uptake of eDNA results by decision-makers
Professional Experience
Research Zoologist, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, 2014 – Present
Aquatic Biologist, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, October 2010 – 2014
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Ecology. 2010. University of Montana, Missoula, MT
B.A. Environmental Biology and English. 2002. Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Science and Products
Evaluation of a fine sediment removal tool in spring-fed and snowmelt driven streams
Invasion of American bullfrogs along the Yellowstone River
Introduced northern pike consumption of salmonids in Southcentral Alaska
Toxicity of a traditional molluscicide to asian clam veligers
Suppressing bullfrog larvae with carbon dioxide
Testing ecological tradeoffs of a new tool for removing fine sediment in a spring-fed stream
Aquatic invasive species: Lessons from cancer research
Asian carp behavior in response to static water gun firing
Environmental DNA as a new method for early detection of New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)
Introduced northern pike predation on salmonids in southcentral Alaska
Using stable isotopes to test for trophic niche partitioning: a case study with stream salamanders and fish
Coexistence in streams: Do source-sink dynamics allow salamanders to persist with fish predators?
Science and Products
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Filter Total Items: 72
Evaluation of a fine sediment removal tool in spring-fed and snowmelt driven streams
The accumulation of fine-grained sediments impairs the structure and function of streams, so removing fine sediments may be required to achieve restoration objectives. There has been little work on methods of removing excess sediment or on the efficacy of the methods. We used a 4-year before-after-control-impact design in southeastern Idaho streams to test a fine sediment removal system (FSRS) manAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, Megan J. Layhee, Zach Sutphin, Juddson D. SechristInvasion of American bullfrogs along the Yellowstone River
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is a globally distributed invasive species that was introduced to the Yellowstone River floodplain of Montana. Knowledge about floodplain habitat features that allow for bullfrog persistence and spread will help identify effective control strategies. We used field surveys in 2010, 2012 and 2013 to describe bullfrog spread in the Yellowstone River floAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, Megan J. Layhee, Dave Stagliano, Jake Chaffin, Allison Begley, Bryce A. MaxellIntroduced northern pike consumption of salmonids in Southcentral Alaska
The impacts of introduced northern pike (Esox lucius) on salmonid populations have attracted much attention because salmonids are popular subsistence, sport and commercial fish. Concern over the predatory effects of introduced pike on salmonids is especially high in Southcentral Alaska, where pike were illegally introduced to the Susitna River basin in the 1950s. We used pike abundance, growth, anAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, David S. Rutz, Aaron W Dupuis, Patrick A Shields, Kristine J. DunkerToxicity of a traditional molluscicide to asian clam veligers
Aquaculture and hatchery industries are in need of effective control methods to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species, such as the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea, through aquaculture and hatchery activities. The planktonic nature of Asian clam veligers enables this life stage to enter water-based infrastructure undetected, including hatchery trucks used to stock fish. Once in hatcheAuthorsMegan J. Layhee, Bahram Farokhkish, Jackson A. Gross, Miho Yoshioka, Adam J. SepulvedaSuppressing bullfrog larvae with carbon dioxide
Current management strategies for the control and suppression of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus = Rana catesbeiana Shaw) and other invasive amphibians have had minimal effect on their abundance and distribution. This study evaluates the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) on pre- and prometamorphic Bullfrog larvae. Bullfrogs are a model organism for evaluating potential suppression ageAuthorsMark Abbey-Lambert, Andrew Ray, Megan J. Layhee, Christine L. Densmore, Adam J. Sepulveda, Jackson A. Gross, Barnaby J. WattenTesting ecological tradeoffs of a new tool for removing fine sediment in a spring-fed stream
Excessive fine sediment is a focus of stream restoration work because it can impair the structure and function of streams, but few methods exist for removing sediment in spring-fed streams. We tested a novel method of sediment removal with the potential to have minimal adverse effects on the biological community during the restoration process. The Sand Wand system, a dredgeless vacuum developed byAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, Juddson D. Sechrist, Laurie B MarczakAquatic invasive species: Lessons from cancer research
Aquatic invasive species are disrupting ecosystems with increasing frequency. Successful control of these invasions has been rare: Biologists and managers have few tools for fighting aquatic invaders. In contrast, the medical community has long worked to develop tools for preventing and fighting cancer. Its successes are marked by a coordinated research approach with multiple steps: prevention, eaAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, Andrew Ray, Robert K. Al-Chokhachy, Clint C. Muhlfeld, Robert E. Gresswell, Jackson A. Gross, Jeffrey L. KershnerAsian carp behavior in response to static water gun firing
The potential for invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes has ecological and socio-economic implications. If they become established, Asian carp are predicted to alter lake ecosystems and impact commercial and recreational fisheries. The Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal is an important biological conduit between the Mississippi River Basin, where invasive Asian carp are abundant, and the GrAuthorsMegan J. Layhee, Jackson A. Gross, Michael J. Parsley, Jason G. Romine, David C. Glover, Cory D. Suski, Tristany L. Wagner, Adam J. Sepulveda, Robert E. GresswellEnvironmental DNA as a new method for early detection of New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)
Early detection of aquatic invasive species is a critical task for management of aquatic ecosystems. This task is hindered by the difficulty and cost of surveying aquatic systems thoroughly. The New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is a small, invasive parthenogenic mollusk that can reach very high population densities and severely affects ecosystem functioning. To assist in the early dAuthorsCaren S. Goldberg, Adam Sepulveda, Andrew Ray, Jeremy A. Baumgardt, Lisette P. WaitsIntroduced northern pike predation on salmonids in southcentral Alaska
Northern pike (Esox lucius) are opportunistic predators that can switch to alternative prey species after preferred prey have declined. This trophic adaptability allows invasive pike to have negative effects on aquatic food webs. In Southcentral Alaska, invasive pike are a substantial concern because they have spread to important spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids and are hypothesised to bAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, David S. Rutz, Sam S. Ivey, Kristine J. Dunker, Jackson A. GrossUsing stable isotopes to test for trophic niche partitioning: a case study with stream salamanders and fish
1. Stream salamanders and fish often co-occur even though fish prey on and outcompete salamanders. However, the mechanisms that allow palatable salamanders to coexist with fish are unknown. 2. We tested mechanisms in the field that promote coexistence between Idaho giant salamanders (Dicamptodon aterrimus) and stream salmonid fishes in headwater streams. Previous research in this system indicatedAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, Winsor H. Lowe, Peter P. MarraCoexistence in streams: Do source-sink dynamics allow salamanders to persist with fish predators?
Theory suggests that source–sink dynamics can allow coexistence of intraguild predators and prey, but empirical evidence for this coexistence mechanism is limited. We used capture–mark–recapture, genetic methods, and stable isotopes to test whether source–sink dynamics promote coexistence between stream fishes, the intraguild predator, and stream salamanders (Dicamptodon aterrimus), the intraguildAuthorsAdam J. Sepulveda, W.H. Lowe - News