Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Barbara Martin

My career has focused on two main areas of research 1) effects of contaminants on the aquatic environment and 2) habitat requirements of endangered species. Currently I am part of a team focused on identifying the causes of the declining Lost River and shortnose sucker populations in Upper Klamath Lake. My research is primarily composed of laboratory trials and combines my two areas of expertise.

Research Interests:

My long term research interests include examining the effects of contaminants and toxicants on imperiled species.  My current research is focused on conducting laboratory experiments on Lost River suckers to try and determine what is preventing juvenile suckers from reaching maturity.  It was hypothesized that age-0 juvenile sucker mortality increased due to the ingestion of prey items that had high levels of microcystin.  Using laboratory experiments, I have been looking into the effects of ingested microcystin on Lost River suckers.  Future laboratory experiments will focus on potential nutritional shortcomings, environmental effects on growth and condition of suckers, and effects of environmental contaminant on suckers.  These laboratory experiments are fueled by observations in the field and provide supporting evidence for field and mesocosm studies.

Professional Experience

  • 2011 to Present - Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Klamath Falls Field Station, Klamath Falls, OR

  • 1999-2011 - Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Dixon Duty Station, Dixon, CA

  • 1997-1999 - Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Dixon Duty Station, Dixon, CA

  • 1995-1997 - Graduate Research Assistant, Humboldt State University Foundation, Arcata, CA

  • 1989-1995 - Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ National Biological Survey, National Fisheries Contaminant Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. Fishery Biology. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

  • B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. University of California-Davis, Davis, CA

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Fisheries Society

Honors and Awards

  • Secretary Cal-Neva Chapter American Fishery Society 2011

Science and Products

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government