Collin Eagles-Smith
I am a Research Ecologist with the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Corvallis, Oregon. My research focuses on the interactions among ecological processes, contaminant bioaccumulation, and effects on wild populations.
My work specifically focuses on (1) the ecological factors regulating contaminant bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, with an emphasis on food web processes and contaminant cycling, (2) land use practices and ecosystem restoration effects on contaminant cycling through food webs, and (3) the sublethal effects of contaminants on individuals and contaminant-induced impairment to reproduction in the wild. My research is broadly applied across taxa - primarily fish and waterbirds, and habitat types - including lakes, freshwater wetlands, agricultural fields, and estuarine habitats.
Professional Experience
2010-present: Supervisory Research Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2007-2010: Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA
2003-2007: Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA (2006)
B.S., Environmental Resource Sciences - Magna Cum Laude, University of California, Davis, CA (2000)
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Filter Total Items: 22
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 45
Mercury Condition Index Tool Mercury Condition Index Tool
The Mercury Condition Index Tool uses existing data of mercury concentrations in invertebrates, fish, and birds within national parks to estimate a park level Condition Index (and associated uncertainty) for mercury, based on its potential risk to fish and wildlife health. The tool employs a series of logic steps to convert provided data into standardized units, based upon both basic
Biomass and methylmercury concentrations in biweekly biological samples from Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir outflows, Snake River Hells Canyon Complex (Idaho-Oregon), 2018-2019 Biomass and methylmercury concentrations in biweekly biological samples from Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir outflows, Snake River Hells Canyon Complex (Idaho-Oregon), 2018-2019
This dataset describes biomass and methylmercury concentrations in zooplankton, other invertebrates, fish, and coarse and fine detritus samples collected at the outflow locations of Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoirs in the Snake River Hells Canyon Complex. Based on the sampling locations, the sampled materials were presumed to have flowed through the dam turbines or over the spillway...
Mercury in fishes from Clear Lake, California, 2019 and 2020 (ver. 2.0, February 2022) Mercury in fishes from Clear Lake, California, 2019 and 2020 (ver. 2.0, February 2022)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury in fishes collected from Clear Lake, California. These data are superseded by Pierce, J.R., Feyrer, F.V., Young, M.J., Enos, E.R., Clause, J.K., Alpers, C.N., and Eagles-Smith, C.A., 2022, Mercury in biota from Clear Lake, California (ver. 3.0, August 2024): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066...
Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae from U.S. National Parks (ver. 11.0, January 2026) Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae from U.S. National Parks (ver. 11.0, January 2026)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury concentrations in dragonfly samples from U.S. National Parks, Protected Places, and other federal lands collected as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP). This data release supersedes Eagles-Smith, C.A., Nelson, S.J., Flanagan-Pritz, C.M., Willacker Jr., J.J., and Klemmer, A.J., 2018, Total mercury...
Mercury Concentrations and Stable Isotopes in Riparian Songbirds and Invertebrates from the Willamette River, Oregon, 2013 Mercury Concentrations and Stable Isotopes in Riparian Songbirds and Invertebrates from the Willamette River, Oregon, 2013
This dataset includes bird species, invertebrate order and family, sample identification codes, collection date, latitude, longitude, site name, bird age, invertebrate life stage, invertebrate trophic group, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in birds and invertebrates, total mercury concentrations in bird blood, and methylmercury concentrations in composite invertebrates.
Mercury Concentrations and Mercury Isotopes in Salmonid fishes from the Snake River and tributaries in Idaho and Oregon, 2015 and 2019 (ver. 2.0, February 2021) Mercury Concentrations and Mercury Isotopes in Salmonid fishes from the Snake River and tributaries in Idaho and Oregon, 2015 and 2019 (ver. 2.0, February 2021)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury in Salmonid fishes collected from the Snake River and tributaries, Idaho and Oregon.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 155
Mercury isotope values in shoreline spiders reveal transfer of aquatic mercury sources to terrestrial food webs Mercury isotope values in shoreline spiders reveal transfer of aquatic mercury sources to terrestrial food webs
The transfer of aquatic contaminants, including mercury (Hg), to terrestrial food webs is an often-overlooked exposure pathway to terrestrial animals. While research has implemented the use of shoreline spiders to assess aquatic to terrestrial Hg transfer, it is unclear whether Hg sources, estimated from isotope ratios, can be successfully resolved to inform site assessments and remedy
Authors
Sarah E. Janssen, Christopher James Kotalik, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Gale B. Beaubien, Joel C. Hoffman, Greg Peterson, Marc A. Mills, David Walters
Understanding drivers of mercury in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a top-predator fish in southwest Alaska's parklands Understanding drivers of mercury in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a top-predator fish in southwest Alaska's parklands
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread element and persistent pollutant, harmful to fish, wildlife, and humans in its organic, methylated form. The risk of Hg contamination is driven by factors that regulate Hg loading, methylation, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. In remote locations, with infrequent access and limited data, understanding the relative importance of these factors can pose a...
Authors
Krista K. Bartz, Michael P. Hannam, Tammy L. Wilson, Ryan F. Lepak, Jacob M. Ogorek, Daniel B. Young, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, David P. Krabbenhoft
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications
Drinking-water quality is a rising concern in the United States (US), emphasizing the need to broadly assess exposures and potential health effects at the point-of-use. Drinking-water exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a national concern, however, there is limited information on PFAS in residential tapwater at the point-of-use, especially from private-wells. We...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley, Matthew C. Morriss, James L. Gray, Leslie K. Kanagy, Stephanie E. Gordon, Brianna Williams, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel K. Jones, Laura A. DeCicco, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Tyler Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest
Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have been used globally to manage commensal rodents for decades. However their application has also resulted in primary, secondary, and tertiary poisoning in wildlife. Widespread exposure to ARs (primarily second generation ARs; SGARs) in raptors and avian scavengers has triggered considerable conservation concern over their potential effects on...
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck
A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu
Total mercury (THg) was measured in muscle (fillet) and liver tissue of adult smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu collected at multiple sites in the Potomac and Susquehanna River drainages within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Smallmouth bass in these drainages have experienced episodic mortality events, a high prevalence of skin lesions and reproductive endocrine disruption (intersex or
Authors
Vicki S. Blazer, Heather L. Walsh, Adam Sperry, Brenna Raines, James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Complex life histories alter patterns of mercury exposure and accumulation in a pond-breeding amphibian Complex life histories alter patterns of mercury exposure and accumulation in a pond-breeding amphibian
Quantifying how contaminants change across life cycles of species that undergo metamorphosis is critical to assessing organismal risk, particularly for consumers. Pond-breeding amphibians can dominate aquatic animal biomass as larvae and are terrestrial prey as juveniles and adults. Thus, amphibians can be vectors of mercury exposure in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. However, it...
Authors
Freya Elizabeth Rowland, Erin L. Muths, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Craig A. Stricker, Johanna M. Kraus, Rachel A. Harrington, David Walters
Non-USGS Publications**
Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.
**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.
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 31
Science and Products
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making.
Filter Total Items: 22
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 45
Mercury Condition Index Tool Mercury Condition Index Tool
The Mercury Condition Index Tool uses existing data of mercury concentrations in invertebrates, fish, and birds within national parks to estimate a park level Condition Index (and associated uncertainty) for mercury, based on its potential risk to fish and wildlife health. The tool employs a series of logic steps to convert provided data into standardized units, based upon both basic
Biomass and methylmercury concentrations in biweekly biological samples from Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir outflows, Snake River Hells Canyon Complex (Idaho-Oregon), 2018-2019 Biomass and methylmercury concentrations in biweekly biological samples from Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoir outflows, Snake River Hells Canyon Complex (Idaho-Oregon), 2018-2019
This dataset describes biomass and methylmercury concentrations in zooplankton, other invertebrates, fish, and coarse and fine detritus samples collected at the outflow locations of Brownlee and Oxbow Reservoirs in the Snake River Hells Canyon Complex. Based on the sampling locations, the sampled materials were presumed to have flowed through the dam turbines or over the spillway...
Mercury in fishes from Clear Lake, California, 2019 and 2020 (ver. 2.0, February 2022) Mercury in fishes from Clear Lake, California, 2019 and 2020 (ver. 2.0, February 2022)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury in fishes collected from Clear Lake, California. These data are superseded by Pierce, J.R., Feyrer, F.V., Young, M.J., Enos, E.R., Clause, J.K., Alpers, C.N., and Eagles-Smith, C.A., 2022, Mercury in biota from Clear Lake, California (ver. 3.0, August 2024): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066...
Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae from U.S. National Parks (ver. 11.0, January 2026) Total Mercury Concentrations in Dragonfly Larvae from U.S. National Parks (ver. 11.0, January 2026)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury concentrations in dragonfly samples from U.S. National Parks, Protected Places, and other federal lands collected as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP). This data release supersedes Eagles-Smith, C.A., Nelson, S.J., Flanagan-Pritz, C.M., Willacker Jr., J.J., and Klemmer, A.J., 2018, Total mercury...
Mercury Concentrations and Stable Isotopes in Riparian Songbirds and Invertebrates from the Willamette River, Oregon, 2013 Mercury Concentrations and Stable Isotopes in Riparian Songbirds and Invertebrates from the Willamette River, Oregon, 2013
This dataset includes bird species, invertebrate order and family, sample identification codes, collection date, latitude, longitude, site name, bird age, invertebrate life stage, invertebrate trophic group, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in birds and invertebrates, total mercury concentrations in bird blood, and methylmercury concentrations in composite invertebrates.
Mercury Concentrations and Mercury Isotopes in Salmonid fishes from the Snake River and tributaries in Idaho and Oregon, 2015 and 2019 (ver. 2.0, February 2021) Mercury Concentrations and Mercury Isotopes in Salmonid fishes from the Snake River and tributaries in Idaho and Oregon, 2015 and 2019 (ver. 2.0, February 2021)
Comma-separated values (.csv) file containing data related to mercury in Salmonid fishes collected from the Snake River and tributaries, Idaho and Oregon.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 155
Mercury isotope values in shoreline spiders reveal transfer of aquatic mercury sources to terrestrial food webs Mercury isotope values in shoreline spiders reveal transfer of aquatic mercury sources to terrestrial food webs
The transfer of aquatic contaminants, including mercury (Hg), to terrestrial food webs is an often-overlooked exposure pathway to terrestrial animals. While research has implemented the use of shoreline spiders to assess aquatic to terrestrial Hg transfer, it is unclear whether Hg sources, estimated from isotope ratios, can be successfully resolved to inform site assessments and remedy
Authors
Sarah E. Janssen, Christopher James Kotalik, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Gale B. Beaubien, Joel C. Hoffman, Greg Peterson, Marc A. Mills, David Walters
Understanding drivers of mercury in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a top-predator fish in southwest Alaska's parklands Understanding drivers of mercury in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a top-predator fish in southwest Alaska's parklands
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread element and persistent pollutant, harmful to fish, wildlife, and humans in its organic, methylated form. The risk of Hg contamination is driven by factors that regulate Hg loading, methylation, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. In remote locations, with infrequent access and limited data, understanding the relative importance of these factors can pose a...
Authors
Krista K. Bartz, Michael P. Hannam, Tammy L. Wilson, Ryan F. Lepak, Jacob M. Ogorek, Daniel B. Young, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, David P. Krabbenhoft
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications
Drinking-water quality is a rising concern in the United States (US), emphasizing the need to broadly assess exposures and potential health effects at the point-of-use. Drinking-water exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a national concern, however, there is limited information on PFAS in residential tapwater at the point-of-use, especially from private-wells. We...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley, Matthew C. Morriss, James L. Gray, Leslie K. Kanagy, Stephanie E. Gordon, Brianna Williams, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel K. Jones, Laura A. DeCicco, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Tyler Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest
Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have been used globally to manage commensal rodents for decades. However their application has also resulted in primary, secondary, and tertiary poisoning in wildlife. Widespread exposure to ARs (primarily second generation ARs; SGARs) in raptors and avian scavengers has triggered considerable conservation concern over their potential effects on...
Authors
Garth Herring, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Jeremy A. Buck
A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu
Total mercury (THg) was measured in muscle (fillet) and liver tissue of adult smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu collected at multiple sites in the Potomac and Susquehanna River drainages within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Smallmouth bass in these drainages have experienced episodic mortality events, a high prevalence of skin lesions and reproductive endocrine disruption (intersex or
Authors
Vicki S. Blazer, Heather L. Walsh, Adam Sperry, Brenna Raines, James Willacker, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
Complex life histories alter patterns of mercury exposure and accumulation in a pond-breeding amphibian Complex life histories alter patterns of mercury exposure and accumulation in a pond-breeding amphibian
Quantifying how contaminants change across life cycles of species that undergo metamorphosis is critical to assessing organismal risk, particularly for consumers. Pond-breeding amphibians can dominate aquatic animal biomass as larvae and are terrestrial prey as juveniles and adults. Thus, amphibians can be vectors of mercury exposure in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. However, it...
Authors
Freya Elizabeth Rowland, Erin L. Muths, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Craig A. Stricker, Johanna M. Kraus, Rachel A. Harrington, David Walters
Non-USGS Publications**
Suchanek, T.H., Cooke, J., Keller, K., Richerson, P.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2009, A mass balance mercury budget for a mine-dominated lake - Clear Lake, California: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, v. 196, p. 51-73.
Richerson, P.J., Suchanek, T.H., Zierenberg, R.A., Osleger, D.A., Heyvaert, A.C., Slotton, D.G., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Vaughn, C.E., 2008, Anthropogenic stressors and changes in the Clear Lake ecosystem as recorded in sediment cores: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A257-A283.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Harner, E.J., 2008, Is Clear Lake methylmercury distribution decoupled from bulk mercury loading?: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A107-A127.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., 2008, Mercury in abiotic matrices of Clear Lake, California- Human health and ecotoxicological implications: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A128-A157.
Anderson, D.W., Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Cahill, Jr., T.M., 2008, Mercury residues and productivity in osprey and grebes from a mine-dominated ecosystem: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A227-A238.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Adam, D.P., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Woodward, D.L., 2008, Mine-derived mercury- Effects on lower trophic species in Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A158-A176.
Suchanek, T.H., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Slotton, D.G., Harner, E.J., Colwell, A.E., Anderson, N.L., Mullen, L.H., Flanders, J.R., Adam, D.P., McElroy, K.J., 2008, Spatiotemporal trends in fish mercury from a mine-dominated ecosystem- Clear Lake, California: Ecological Applications, v. 18, no. 8, p. A177-A195.
McEachern, M.B., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Efferson, C.M., Van Vuren, D.H., 2006, Evidence for local specialization in a generalist mammalian herbivore, Neotoma fuscipes: Oikos, v. 113, p. 440-448.
**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.
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 31