David Kazyak, Ph.D.
Dave Kazyak is a Supervisory Research Fish Biologist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, WV.
Dave Kazyak is a Supervisory Research Fish Biologist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center leads a conservation genetics and genomics research team. His research applies quantitative approaches in conservation genetics and population dynamics to provide decision-relevant information for imperiled species. Dave Kazyak's current projects use cutting-edge genetics tools to identify biologically-appropriate management units, measure rates of gene flow, and characterize how isolation, genetic drift, and hatchery supplementation impact wild populations. He also is working to develop novel approaches to census imperiled fishes, including techniques using combinations of acoustic telemetry, side-scan sonar, and genetics.
Professional Experience
2017-Present. U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center. Research Fish Biologist.
2015-2017. U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center (Integrated Statistics Contractor) - Postdoctoral Scientist.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2015. University of Maryland (Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science)
M.S. 2011. University of Maine (Wildlife Ecology)
B.S. 2008. Frostburg State University (Wildlife and Fisheries)
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Fisheries Society
North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish Society
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 47
Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a long-lived, anadromous species that is broadly distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Historic overharvest and habitat degradation resulted in significant declines to Atlantic sturgeon populations and, following decades of limited recovery, the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act of the United States...
Authors
Shannon L. White, David C. Kazyak, Tanya L. Darden, Daniel J. Farrae, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles, M Balazik, Hal Brundage, Adam G Fox, Dewayne A. Fox, Chris H Hager, Jason E Kahn, Isaac I Wirgin
Impacts of sediment removal from and placement in coastal barrier island systems Impacts of sediment removal from and placement in coastal barrier island systems
Executive Summary On June 24, 2019, Congressman Raul Grijalva of Arizona, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, sent a letter to the directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to request their assistance in answering questions regarding coastal sediment resource management within the Coastal Barrier Resources System as defined by the...
Authors
Jennifer L. Miselis, James G. Flocks, Sara Zeigler, Davina Passeri, David R. Smith, Jill R. Bourque, Christopher R. Sherwood, Christopher G. Smith, Daniel J. Ciarletta, Kathryn Smith, Kristen Hart, David C. Kazyak, Alicia Berlin, Bianca Prohaska, Teresa Calleson, Kristi Yanchis
Atlantic sturgeon status and movement ecology in an extremely small spawning habitat: The Nanticoke River-Marshyhope Creek, Chesapeake Bay Atlantic sturgeon status and movement ecology in an extremely small spawning habitat: The Nanticoke River-Marshyhope Creek, Chesapeake Bay
Biotelemetry of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus has exposed spawning behaviors in ever-smaller estuaries, surprising for the NW Atlantic’s largest anadromous species. Small estuary — the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek (Chesapeake Bay) — spawning-run adults and their habitat affinities are described based upon direct sampling and biotelemetry for the period 2014...
Authors
D. H. Secor, M. H. P. O’Brien, N. Coleman, A. Horne, I. Park, David C. Kazyak, D. G. Bruce, C Stence
Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a large, anadromous fish native to the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although this species once supported important fisheries, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have resulted in dramatic declines, presumed extirpation in some rivers, and ultimately listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA...
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles
Genetic structure of Maryland Brook Trout populations: Management implications for a threatened species Genetic structure of Maryland Brook Trout populations: Management implications for a threatened species
Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis have declined across their native range due to multiple anthropogenic factors, including landscape alteration and climate change. Although coldwater streams in Maryland (eastern United States) historically supported significant Brook Trout populations, only fragmented remnant populations remain, with the exception of the upper Savage River watershed in...
Authors
Raymond P. Morgan II, David C. Kazyak, Tim L. King, Barbara A. Lubinski, Matthew T. Sell, Alan A Heft, Jess W Jones
Development of genetic baseline information to support the conservation and management of wild Brook Trout in North Carolina Development of genetic baseline information to support the conservation and management of wild Brook Trout in North Carolina
Following centuries of declines, there is growing interest in conserving extant wild populations and reintroducing Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations of native ancestry. A population genetic baseline can enhance conservation outcomes and promote restoration success. Consequently, it is important to document existing patterns of genetic variation across the landscape and...
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Barbara A. Lubinski, Jacob M Rash, Thomas C Johnson, Timothy L. King
Non-USGS Publications**
Hilderbrand RH, Kazyak DC. 2017. Spatiotemporal patterns of Brook Trout abundance and implications for stream monitoring. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:353-362.
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, King TL, Keller SR, Chhatre VE. 2016. Hiding in plain sight: a case for cryptic metapopulations in Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). PLOS ONE 11(1): e0146295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0146295
Kazyak DC, Sell MT, Cooper R, Hilderbrand RH. 2016. A comparison of catchability and mortality with circle and J hooks for stream-dwelling Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. North American Journal of Fisheries
Management 36:259-266
Management 36:259-266
Sell MT, Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Heft AA, Cooper RM. 2016. A comparison of circle hook size on hooking success, deep hooking rate, and post release mortality of hatchery-reared Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:254-258
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Keller SK, Colaw M, Holloway AE, Morgan RP, King TL. 2015. Spatial structure of morphological and neutral genetic variation in Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 144:480-490
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Sell MT. 2014. Growth variation in a Mid-Atlantic Brook Trout population. Proceedings of Wild Trout XI. Supplement:350-356
Sell MT, Heft AA, Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Morgan RP. 2014. Short-term and seasonal movements of eastern Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the upper Savage River watershed, Garrett County, Maryland. Proceedings of Wild Trout XI. Supplement:357-362
Stranko SA, Ashton MJ, Hilderbrand RH, Weglein SL, Kazyak DC, Kilian JV. 2014. Fish and benthic macroinvertebrate densities in small streams with and without American Eels. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 143:700-708
Kazyak DC, Letcher BH, Zydlewski J, O'Donnell MJ. 2013. Growth variability of brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in coastal Maine. Ecology of Freshwater Fish. doi: 10.1111/eff.12105
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Holloway AE. 2013. Rapid visual assessment to determine sex in Brook Trout. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:665-668
Kazyak DC, Zydlewski J. 2012. High-density polyethylene: a new material for pass-over PIT antennas. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 32:49-52
Strain, GF, Kazyak DC. Raesly R. 2012. Headwaters and headlamps: a comparison of nocturnal and diurnal surveys to estimate richness, abundance, and detection of streamside salamanders. Herpetological Review 43:26-30
**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
Filter Total Items: 47
Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a long-lived, anadromous species that is broadly distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Historic overharvest and habitat degradation resulted in significant declines to Atlantic sturgeon populations and, following decades of limited recovery, the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act of the United States...
Authors
Shannon L. White, David C. Kazyak, Tanya L. Darden, Daniel J. Farrae, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles, M Balazik, Hal Brundage, Adam G Fox, Dewayne A. Fox, Chris H Hager, Jason E Kahn, Isaac I Wirgin
Impacts of sediment removal from and placement in coastal barrier island systems Impacts of sediment removal from and placement in coastal barrier island systems
Executive Summary On June 24, 2019, Congressman Raul Grijalva of Arizona, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, sent a letter to the directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey to request their assistance in answering questions regarding coastal sediment resource management within the Coastal Barrier Resources System as defined by the...
Authors
Jennifer L. Miselis, James G. Flocks, Sara Zeigler, Davina Passeri, David R. Smith, Jill R. Bourque, Christopher R. Sherwood, Christopher G. Smith, Daniel J. Ciarletta, Kathryn Smith, Kristen Hart, David C. Kazyak, Alicia Berlin, Bianca Prohaska, Teresa Calleson, Kristi Yanchis
Atlantic sturgeon status and movement ecology in an extremely small spawning habitat: The Nanticoke River-Marshyhope Creek, Chesapeake Bay Atlantic sturgeon status and movement ecology in an extremely small spawning habitat: The Nanticoke River-Marshyhope Creek, Chesapeake Bay
Biotelemetry of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus has exposed spawning behaviors in ever-smaller estuaries, surprising for the NW Atlantic’s largest anadromous species. Small estuary — the Nanticoke River and Marshyhope Creek (Chesapeake Bay) — spawning-run adults and their habitat affinities are described based upon direct sampling and biotelemetry for the period 2014...
Authors
D. H. Secor, M. H. P. O’Brien, N. Coleman, A. Horne, I. Park, David C. Kazyak, D. G. Bruce, C Stence
Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a large, anadromous fish native to the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although this species once supported important fisheries, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have resulted in dramatic declines, presumed extirpation in some rivers, and ultimately listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA...
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles
Genetic structure of Maryland Brook Trout populations: Management implications for a threatened species Genetic structure of Maryland Brook Trout populations: Management implications for a threatened species
Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis have declined across their native range due to multiple anthropogenic factors, including landscape alteration and climate change. Although coldwater streams in Maryland (eastern United States) historically supported significant Brook Trout populations, only fragmented remnant populations remain, with the exception of the upper Savage River watershed in...
Authors
Raymond P. Morgan II, David C. Kazyak, Tim L. King, Barbara A. Lubinski, Matthew T. Sell, Alan A Heft, Jess W Jones
Development of genetic baseline information to support the conservation and management of wild Brook Trout in North Carolina Development of genetic baseline information to support the conservation and management of wild Brook Trout in North Carolina
Following centuries of declines, there is growing interest in conserving extant wild populations and reintroducing Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations of native ancestry. A population genetic baseline can enhance conservation outcomes and promote restoration success. Consequently, it is important to document existing patterns of genetic variation across the landscape and...
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Barbara A. Lubinski, Jacob M Rash, Thomas C Johnson, Timothy L. King
Non-USGS Publications**
Hilderbrand RH, Kazyak DC. 2017. Spatiotemporal patterns of Brook Trout abundance and implications for stream monitoring. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:353-362.
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, King TL, Keller SR, Chhatre VE. 2016. Hiding in plain sight: a case for cryptic metapopulations in Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). PLOS ONE 11(1): e0146295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0146295
Kazyak DC, Sell MT, Cooper R, Hilderbrand RH. 2016. A comparison of catchability and mortality with circle and J hooks for stream-dwelling Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. North American Journal of Fisheries
Management 36:259-266
Management 36:259-266
Sell MT, Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Heft AA, Cooper RM. 2016. A comparison of circle hook size on hooking success, deep hooking rate, and post release mortality of hatchery-reared Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:254-258
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Keller SK, Colaw M, Holloway AE, Morgan RP, King TL. 2015. Spatial structure of morphological and neutral genetic variation in Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 144:480-490
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Sell MT. 2014. Growth variation in a Mid-Atlantic Brook Trout population. Proceedings of Wild Trout XI. Supplement:350-356
Sell MT, Heft AA, Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Morgan RP. 2014. Short-term and seasonal movements of eastern Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the upper Savage River watershed, Garrett County, Maryland. Proceedings of Wild Trout XI. Supplement:357-362
Stranko SA, Ashton MJ, Hilderbrand RH, Weglein SL, Kazyak DC, Kilian JV. 2014. Fish and benthic macroinvertebrate densities in small streams with and without American Eels. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 143:700-708
Kazyak DC, Letcher BH, Zydlewski J, O'Donnell MJ. 2013. Growth variability of brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in coastal Maine. Ecology of Freshwater Fish. doi: 10.1111/eff.12105
Kazyak DC, Hilderbrand RH, Holloway AE. 2013. Rapid visual assessment to determine sex in Brook Trout. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:665-668
Kazyak DC, Zydlewski J. 2012. High-density polyethylene: a new material for pass-over PIT antennas. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 32:49-52
Strain, GF, Kazyak DC. Raesly R. 2012. Headwaters and headlamps: a comparison of nocturnal and diurnal surveys to estimate richness, abundance, and detection of streamside salamanders. Herpetological Review 43:26-30
**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.
*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