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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

fish frozen in tubes

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.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

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.
Learn More
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: 46
No Result Found
No results found.

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

Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA

The present study evaluated Se bioaccumulation in four waterbird species (n = 206 birds) that breed within San Francisco Bay, California, USA: American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Selenium concentrations were variable and influenced by several factors, including...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs

The concentration of mercury (Hg) in eggs that causes reduced hatching success is regarded as a critical end point for Hg toxicity in birds. However, incorporating effects of in ovo mercury exposure on chick health and survival could improve risk assessment. We developed equations to predict Hg in eggs using Hg in chick down feathers, and vice versa, by assessing the relationship between...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs

Small fish are commonly used to assess mercury (Hg) risk to wildlife and monitor Hg in wetlands. However, limited research has evaluated short-term Hg variability in small fish, which can have important implications for monitoring programs and risk assessment. We conducted a time-series study of Hg concentrations in two small fish species representing benthic (longjaw mudsuckers...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage

We evaluated mercury (Hg) in five waterbird species representing three foraging guilds in San Francisco Bay, CA. Fish-eating birds (Forster's and Caspian terns) had the highest Hg concentrations in thier tissues, but concentrations in an invertebrate-foraging shorebird (black-necked stilt) were also elevated. Foraging habitat was important for Hg exposure as illustrated by within-guild...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, S.E.W. de la Cruz, John Y. Takekawa
By
San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species

We assessed methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in the livers of adults and chicks of four waterbird species that commonly breed in San Francisco Bay: American avocets, black-necked stilts, Caspian terns, and Forster's terns. In adults (all species combined), we found strong evidence for a threshold, model where MeHg demethylation occurred above a hepatic total mercury concentration...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, Y.E.E. Julie, T.L. Adelsbach
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs

Methylmercury is the predominant chemical form of mercury reported in the eggs of wild birds, and the embryo is the most sensitive life stage to methylmercury toxicity. Protective guidelines have been based mainly on captive-breeding studies with chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) or on field studies where whole eggs...
Authors
Katherine R. Stebbins, Jon D. Klimstra, Joshua T. Ackerman, Gary Heinz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

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

fish frozen in tubes

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.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

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.
Learn More
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: 46
No Result Found
No results found.

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

Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA Selenium bioaccumulation and body condition in shorebirds and terns breeding in San Francisco Bay, California, USA

The present study evaluated Se bioaccumulation in four waterbird species (n = 206 birds) that breed within San Francisco Bay, California, USA: American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Selenium concentrations were variable and influenced by several factors, including...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs Integrating toxicity risk in bird eggs and chicks: Using chick down feathers to estimate mercury concentrations in eggs

The concentration of mercury (Hg) in eggs that causes reduced hatching success is regarded as a critical end point for Hg toxicity in birds. However, incorporating effects of in ovo mercury exposure on chick health and survival could improve risk assessment. We developed equations to predict Hg in eggs using Hg in chick down feathers, and vice versa, by assessing the relationship between...
Authors
Joshua T. Ackerman, Collin A. Eagles-Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs Rapid changes in small fish mercury concentrations in estuarine wetlands: Implications for wildlife risk and monitoring programs

Small fish are commonly used to assess mercury (Hg) risk to wildlife and monitor Hg in wetlands. However, limited research has evaluated short-term Hg variability in small fish, which can have important implications for monitoring programs and risk assessment. We conducted a time-series study of Hg concentrations in two small fish species representing benthic (longjaw mudsuckers...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage

We evaluated mercury (Hg) in five waterbird species representing three foraging guilds in San Francisco Bay, CA. Fish-eating birds (Forster's and Caspian terns) had the highest Hg concentrations in thier tissues, but concentrations in an invertebrate-foraging shorebird (black-necked stilt) were also elevated. Foraging habitat was important for Hg exposure as illustrated by within-guild...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, S.E.W. de la Cruz, John Y. Takekawa
By
San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species Mercury demethylation in waterbird livers: Dose-response thresholds and differences among species

We assessed methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in the livers of adults and chicks of four waterbird species that commonly breed in San Francisco Bay: American avocets, black-necked stilts, Caspian terns, and Forster's terns. In adults (all species combined), we found strong evidence for a threshold, model where MeHg demethylation occurred above a hepatic total mercury concentration...
Authors
Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Joshua T. Ackerman, Y.E.E. Julie, T.L. Adelsbach
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs A nonlethal microsampling technique to monitor the effects of mercury on wild bird eggs

Methylmercury is the predominant chemical form of mercury reported in the eggs of wild birds, and the embryo is the most sensitive life stage to methylmercury toxicity. Protective guidelines have been based mainly on captive-breeding studies with chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) or on field studies where whole eggs...
Authors
Katherine R. Stebbins, Jon D. Klimstra, Joshua T. Ackerman, Gary Heinz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

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
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