Carl is a Research Fish Biologist at the Western Fisheries Research Center.
Research Interests:
Carl’s research interests focus on evolutionary and conservation genetics. Current research projects include several studies directed at generating a greater understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with hybridization between rainbow and cutthroat trout, using next generation sequencing to develop species-specific markers that differentiate endangered suckers endemic to the Klamath Lake basin, developing eDNA tool to evaluate recolonization extent of native and non-native fishes in the Elwha River following dam removal, and investigating morphological and genetic diversity of Dolly Varden in the Russian Far East.
Professional Experience
2008 to Present - Research Fish Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA
2004-2008 - Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA
1997-2004 - Laboratory Technician, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA
1995-1997 - Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2014. University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Seattle, WA
M.S. 1997. Washington State University, Zoology, Pullman, WA
B.S. 1989. Washington State University, Biology, Pullman, WA
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Fisheries Society, Genetics section
Science and Products
Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Species Studied - Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Species Studied - Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Spatial and temporal surveys of salmon eDNA in Seattle urban creeks, Washington, 2018 - 2020
The data support a study that surveyed the spatial and temporal distribution of salmon eDNA in Seattle urban creeks, Washington, 2018 - 2020. The metadata represent qPCR quantification cycle (Cq) values for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and coastal cutthroat trout assays performed on water samples collected on specific days at specific sites on Thornton Creek, Taylor Creek, and Mapes Creek, which a
Information tables associated with a risk assessment for bull trout introduction into Sullivan Lake, northeastern, Washington including population donor sources and resident species
Introduction and translocation programs require thoughtful planning to increase the likelihood of success and to understand the benefits, risks, and constraints of such programs. A risk assessment was completed for bull trout introduction into the Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek watershed, northeastern Washington. The risk assessment was designed to evaluate potential risks to resident fish species
Spatial and temporal survey of waterborne myxozoan parasites in the Lake Sammamish watershed, Washington, from 2019 - 2021
There is a fundamental knowledge gap on the distribution, prevalence, intensity, and ecology of salmonid myxozoan parasites in the Lake Sammamish watershed, Washington. To address this knowledge gap, we tested water samples for Ceratonova shasta, Parvicapsula minibicornis and Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae DNA from 84 sites distributed throughout the Lake Sammamish watershed in fall 2019 and 74 sit
The ontogeny of eDNA shedding during early development in Chinook Salmon
We conducted a lab study to explore eDNA shedding during early life history (from fertilized eggs until near yolk sac absorption) in Chinook Salmon at three biomasses: 10 eggs, 100 eggs, and 1,000 eggs, and each egg biomass was replicated (indicated as replicates 1 and 2). Water samples were collected at several time points before, during, and after hatch for detection of Chinook Salmon DNA. On da
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an Effective Tool to Track Recolonizing Migratory Fish Following Large-Scale Dam Removal, field data
We collected environmental DNA (eDNA) data from the Elwha River, home to the world?s largest dam removal project, to track the spatial and temporal patterns of species responses following dam removal. In total, we collected data for 11 different fish taxa, sampled at 25 sites ranging across 56 river kilometers in a wilderness river for 4 years following dam removal. We show that eDNA can effective
Detection of invasive aquatic plants Myriophyllum spicatum and Egeria densa in lakes using eDNA, field and mesocosm data
We conducted a study to test the factors related to detectability of two invasive aquatic plants (Egeria densa and Myriophyllym spicatum) using environmental DNA (eDNA), over extended periods of time, and specifically examined how plant growth stage and abundance relates to eDNA detection in semi-natural and natural conditions. This dataset is from sampling performed in summer of 2018 in lakes wit
2015 environmental DNA surveys for lampreys in Chehalis River tributaries, Washington
Columns of data representing Chehalis River tributary, sample reach locations, dates of water sampling, quantitative PCR results, and whether lamprey were sampled by electrofishing in each sample reach. ***Please note that the title of this data release used to be "Environmental DNA surveys for lampreys in Chehalis River tributaries, Washington, from 2015 and 2017," but was updated for version 2.
Distribution and seasonal differences in Pacific Lamprey and Lampetra spp eDNA across 18 Puget Sound watersheds, 2014 and 2015
These data contain all the raw results needed to support the conclusions for the final product. These data are water sampling locations (latitude and longitude), date of water sampling, quantitative PCR values for each water sample, and stream flow at USGS stream gauging stations on sampling day.
Filter Total Items: 34
Risk assessment for bull trout introduction into Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek, northeastern Washington
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians (KT), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are engaged in conservation of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Lake Pend Oreille (LPO) Core Area. The LPO is a complex habitat core area which falls within three states (Montana, Idaho, and Washington) and a tribal entity. As part of the conservation process, KT worked in
Growth, survival, and cohort formation of juvenile Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2019 Monitoring Report
Populations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter, Clear Lake), California, are experiencing long-term decreases in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing not only due to adult mortality, which is relatively low, but also because they are not being
Ontogeny of eDNA shedding during early development in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Knowledge of the timing of major life history events in aquatic species is important for informing conservation and resource management planning. Accordingly, surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) have been performed to determine the efficacy of eDNA for providing information on life history events, primarily focusing on the timing of events associated with spawning, and these studies have proved su
Survival and growth of suckers in mesocosms at three locations within Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2018
Executive SummaryDue to high mortality in the first year or two of life, Lost River (Deltistes luxatus sp.) and Shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris sp.) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon rarely reach maturity. In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began the Sucker Assisted Rearing Program (SARP) to improve early life survival before releasing the fish back into Upper Klamath Lake. Surviva
Environmental DNA is an effective tool to track recolonizing migratory fish following large‐scale dam removal
Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for use in conservation and resource management, including for tracking the recolonization dynamics of fish populations. We used eDNA to assess the effectiveness of dam removal to restore fish passage on the Elwha River in Washington State (USA). Using a suite of 11 species‐specific eDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, we
Use of environmental DNA to detect the invasive aquatic plants Myriophyllum spicatum and Egeria densa in lakes
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis offers a promising tool for rapid and early detection of aquatic plant invasive species, but currently suffers from substantial unknowns that limit its widespread use in monitoring programs. We conducted the first study to test the factors related to eDNA-based detectability of 2 invasive aquatic plants, Egeria densa and Myriophyllum spicatum, over extended period
Juvenile Lost River and shortnose sucker year-class formation, survival, and growth in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2018 monitoring report
Executive SummaryPopulations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter Clear Lake), California, are experiencing long-term decreases in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing not only because of adult mortality, which is relatively low, but also becaus
Development of a quantitative PCR assay for detecting Egeria densa in environmental DNA samples
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) is an invasive freshwater plant that demonstrates widespread ecological impacts in freshwater ecosystems and causes substantial economic damage. Here, we developed an environmental DNA assay for detection of E. densa to provide resource managers with a tool for early detection, identification, and monitoring of invasive populations.
Juvenile Lost River and shortnose sucker year-class formation, survival, and growth in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2017 Monitoring Report
Executive SummaryPopulations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter referred to as Clear Lake; fig. 1), California, are experiencing long-term declines in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing because juvenile suckers are not surviving and recruiti
A round-robin evaluation of the repeatability and reproducibility of environmental DNA assays for dreissenid mussels
Resource managers may be hesitant to make decisions based on environmental (e)DNA results alone since eDNA is an indirect method of species detection. One way to reduce the uncertainty of eDNA is to identify laboratory‐based protocols that ensure repeatable and reproducible results. We conducted a double‐blind round‐robin analysis of probe‐based assays for DNA of dreissenid (Dreissena spp.) mussel
Development of two quantitative PCR assays for detection of several Cottus species from environmental DNA in Pacific coast watersheds of North America
We developed two quantitative PCR assays for use with environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect numerous species in the genus Cottus that are indigenous to the Pacific coast watersheds of North America. We conducted in vitro assay validations on ten Cottus species and 32 potentially co-occurring non-Cottus species. We demonstrate the efficacy of these assays by field testing eDNA samples collected from s
Evaluation of environmental DNA surveys for identifying occupancy and spatial distribution of Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) and Lampetra spp. in a Washington coast watershed
Surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) have become an important and multifaceted tool for monitoring and identifying distributions and occupancy of aquatic species. This tool is attractive because it is powerful, easy to apply, and provides an alternative to traditional field survey methods. However, validating eDNA survey methods against traditional field survey methods is warranted prior to their a
Non-USGS Publications**
Ristow, S.S., L.D. Grabowski, C.O. Ostberg, B. Robison, and G.H. Thorgaard. 1998. Development of long-term cell lines from homozygous clones of rainbow trout. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 10(1): 75-82. DOI: 10.1577/1548-8667(1998)010<0075:DOLTCL>2.0.CO;2.
Peek, A.S., P.A. Wheeler, C.O. Ostberg, and G.H. Thorgaard. 1997. A minichromosome carrying a pigmentation gene and brook trout DNA sequences in transgenic rainbow trout. Genome 40(5): 594-599. DOI: 10.1139/g97-778.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Science
Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Species Studied - Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Species Studied - Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) - Data
Spatial and temporal surveys of salmon eDNA in Seattle urban creeks, Washington, 2018 - 2020
The data support a study that surveyed the spatial and temporal distribution of salmon eDNA in Seattle urban creeks, Washington, 2018 - 2020. The metadata represent qPCR quantification cycle (Cq) values for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and coastal cutthroat trout assays performed on water samples collected on specific days at specific sites on Thornton Creek, Taylor Creek, and Mapes Creek, which aInformation tables associated with a risk assessment for bull trout introduction into Sullivan Lake, northeastern, Washington including population donor sources and resident species
Introduction and translocation programs require thoughtful planning to increase the likelihood of success and to understand the benefits, risks, and constraints of such programs. A risk assessment was completed for bull trout introduction into the Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek watershed, northeastern Washington. The risk assessment was designed to evaluate potential risks to resident fish speciesSpatial and temporal survey of waterborne myxozoan parasites in the Lake Sammamish watershed, Washington, from 2019 - 2021
There is a fundamental knowledge gap on the distribution, prevalence, intensity, and ecology of salmonid myxozoan parasites in the Lake Sammamish watershed, Washington. To address this knowledge gap, we tested water samples for Ceratonova shasta, Parvicapsula minibicornis and Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae DNA from 84 sites distributed throughout the Lake Sammamish watershed in fall 2019 and 74 sitThe ontogeny of eDNA shedding during early development in Chinook Salmon
We conducted a lab study to explore eDNA shedding during early life history (from fertilized eggs until near yolk sac absorption) in Chinook Salmon at three biomasses: 10 eggs, 100 eggs, and 1,000 eggs, and each egg biomass was replicated (indicated as replicates 1 and 2). Water samples were collected at several time points before, during, and after hatch for detection of Chinook Salmon DNA. On daEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) is an Effective Tool to Track Recolonizing Migratory Fish Following Large-Scale Dam Removal, field data
We collected environmental DNA (eDNA) data from the Elwha River, home to the world?s largest dam removal project, to track the spatial and temporal patterns of species responses following dam removal. In total, we collected data for 11 different fish taxa, sampled at 25 sites ranging across 56 river kilometers in a wilderness river for 4 years following dam removal. We show that eDNA can effectiveDetection of invasive aquatic plants Myriophyllum spicatum and Egeria densa in lakes using eDNA, field and mesocosm data
We conducted a study to test the factors related to detectability of two invasive aquatic plants (Egeria densa and Myriophyllym spicatum) using environmental DNA (eDNA), over extended periods of time, and specifically examined how plant growth stage and abundance relates to eDNA detection in semi-natural and natural conditions. This dataset is from sampling performed in summer of 2018 in lakes wit2015 environmental DNA surveys for lampreys in Chehalis River tributaries, Washington
Columns of data representing Chehalis River tributary, sample reach locations, dates of water sampling, quantitative PCR results, and whether lamprey were sampled by electrofishing in each sample reach. ***Please note that the title of this data release used to be "Environmental DNA surveys for lampreys in Chehalis River tributaries, Washington, from 2015 and 2017," but was updated for version 2.Distribution and seasonal differences in Pacific Lamprey and Lampetra spp eDNA across 18 Puget Sound watersheds, 2014 and 2015
These data contain all the raw results needed to support the conclusions for the final product. These data are water sampling locations (latitude and longitude), date of water sampling, quantitative PCR values for each water sample, and stream flow at USGS stream gauging stations on sampling day. - Publications
Filter Total Items: 34
Risk assessment for bull trout introduction into Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek, northeastern Washington
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians (KT), U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are engaged in conservation of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Lake Pend Oreille (LPO) Core Area. The LPO is a complex habitat core area which falls within three states (Montana, Idaho, and Washington) and a tribal entity. As part of the conservation process, KT worked inGrowth, survival, and cohort formation of juvenile Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2019 Monitoring Report
Populations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter, Clear Lake), California, are experiencing long-term decreases in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing not only due to adult mortality, which is relatively low, but also because they are not beingOntogeny of eDNA shedding during early development in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Knowledge of the timing of major life history events in aquatic species is important for informing conservation and resource management planning. Accordingly, surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) have been performed to determine the efficacy of eDNA for providing information on life history events, primarily focusing on the timing of events associated with spawning, and these studies have proved suSurvival and growth of suckers in mesocosms at three locations within Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2018
Executive SummaryDue to high mortality in the first year or two of life, Lost River (Deltistes luxatus sp.) and Shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris sp.) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon rarely reach maturity. In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began the Sucker Assisted Rearing Program (SARP) to improve early life survival before releasing the fish back into Upper Klamath Lake. SurvivaEnvironmental DNA is an effective tool to track recolonizing migratory fish following large‐scale dam removal
Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for use in conservation and resource management, including for tracking the recolonization dynamics of fish populations. We used eDNA to assess the effectiveness of dam removal to restore fish passage on the Elwha River in Washington State (USA). Using a suite of 11 species‐specific eDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, weUse of environmental DNA to detect the invasive aquatic plants Myriophyllum spicatum and Egeria densa in lakes
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis offers a promising tool for rapid and early detection of aquatic plant invasive species, but currently suffers from substantial unknowns that limit its widespread use in monitoring programs. We conducted the first study to test the factors related to eDNA-based detectability of 2 invasive aquatic plants, Egeria densa and Myriophyllum spicatum, over extended periodJuvenile Lost River and shortnose sucker year-class formation, survival, and growth in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2018 monitoring report
Executive SummaryPopulations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter Clear Lake), California, are experiencing long-term decreases in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing not only because of adult mortality, which is relatively low, but also becausDevelopment of a quantitative PCR assay for detecting Egeria densa in environmental DNA samples
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) is an invasive freshwater plant that demonstrates widespread ecological impacts in freshwater ecosystems and causes substantial economic damage. Here, we developed an environmental DNA assay for detection of E. densa to provide resource managers with a tool for early detection, identification, and monitoring of invasive populations.Juvenile Lost River and shortnose sucker year-class formation, survival, and growth in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon and Clear Lake Reservoir, California—2017 Monitoring Report
Executive SummaryPopulations of federally endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir (hereinafter referred to as Clear Lake; fig. 1), California, are experiencing long-term declines in abundance. Upper Klamath Lake populations are decreasing because juvenile suckers are not surviving and recruitiA round-robin evaluation of the repeatability and reproducibility of environmental DNA assays for dreissenid mussels
Resource managers may be hesitant to make decisions based on environmental (e)DNA results alone since eDNA is an indirect method of species detection. One way to reduce the uncertainty of eDNA is to identify laboratory‐based protocols that ensure repeatable and reproducible results. We conducted a double‐blind round‐robin analysis of probe‐based assays for DNA of dreissenid (Dreissena spp.) musselDevelopment of two quantitative PCR assays for detection of several Cottus species from environmental DNA in Pacific coast watersheds of North America
We developed two quantitative PCR assays for use with environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect numerous species in the genus Cottus that are indigenous to the Pacific coast watersheds of North America. We conducted in vitro assay validations on ten Cottus species and 32 potentially co-occurring non-Cottus species. We demonstrate the efficacy of these assays by field testing eDNA samples collected from sEvaluation of environmental DNA surveys for identifying occupancy and spatial distribution of Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) and Lampetra spp. in a Washington coast watershed
Surveys of environmental DNA (eDNA) have become an important and multifaceted tool for monitoring and identifying distributions and occupancy of aquatic species. This tool is attractive because it is powerful, easy to apply, and provides an alternative to traditional field survey methods. However, validating eDNA survey methods against traditional field survey methods is warranted prior to their aNon-USGS Publications**
Ristow, S.S., L.D. Grabowski, C.O. Ostberg, B. Robison, and G.H. Thorgaard. 1998. Development of long-term cell lines from homozygous clones of rainbow trout. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 10(1): 75-82. DOI: 10.1577/1548-8667(1998)010<0075:DOLTCL>2.0.CO;2.Peek, A.S., P.A. Wheeler, C.O. Ostberg, and G.H. Thorgaard. 1997. A minichromosome carrying a pigmentation gene and brook trout DNA sequences in transgenic rainbow trout. Genome 40(5): 594-599. DOI: 10.1139/g97-778.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- News
*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