Elise Irwin, PhD
Biologist - Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Headquarters
Research Interests
Dr. Irwin is the leader of a broad research program in fisheries ecology with emphasis on reduction of uncertainty regarding how anthropomorphic changes in riverine and other aquatic environments affect biological processes of aquatic species. Thematically her research has primarily investigated how management, landscape patterns and disturbance regimes affect biological processes in aquatic systems, with two main areas of focus: 1) effects of spatial and temporal arrangement of riverine habitat on population parameters of fishes and, 2) definition and reduction of uncertainty regarding functional relations between hydrologic and chemical characteristics of riverine environments and fish distribution, abundance and/or growth of fish and invertebrates.
Teaching Interests
Dr. Irwin teaches a course on management of river systems at Auburn University. The course is inter-disciplinary and covers topics related to managing rivers for multiple uses. Dr. Irwin also teaches courses on Structured Decision Making and Adaptive Management at the National Conservation Training Center.
Professional Experience
Biologist, Cooperative Research Units Program Headquarters, 2021-
Assistant Unit Leader, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 1995-2021
Education and Certifications
Ph D North Carolina State University 1994
MS Tennessee Technological University 1989
BS Delaware State College 1987
Science and Products
Experimental stocking of sport fish in the regulated Tallapoosa River to determine critical periods for recruitment
Long-term fish monitoring in large rivers: Utility of “benchmarking” across basins
Using population models to evaluate management alternatives for Gulf Striped Bass
Spatial and temporal variation in recruitment and growth of Channel Catfish Alabama bass and Tallapoosa Bass in the Tallapoosa River and associated tributaries
Defining ecological and economical hydropoweroperations: a framework for managing dam releasesto meet multiple conflicting objectives
Using structured decision making to manage disease risk for Montana wildlife
Adaptive management of flows from dams: a win-win framework for water users
Catfish population characteristics in tailwater and reservoir habitats of the Coosa River, Alabama
A digital underwater video camera system for aquatic research in regulated rivers
Engaging stakeholders for adaptive management using structured decision analysis
Proposal for adaptive management to conserve biotic integrity in a regulated segment of the Tallapoosa River, Alabama, U.S.A
Environmental impact of elevated arsenic in Southern Appalachian Basin coals
Non-USGS Publications**
**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
Experimental stocking of sport fish in the regulated Tallapoosa River to determine critical periods for recruitment
Long-term fish monitoring in large rivers: Utility of “benchmarking” across basins
Using population models to evaluate management alternatives for Gulf Striped Bass
Spatial and temporal variation in recruitment and growth of Channel Catfish Alabama bass and Tallapoosa Bass in the Tallapoosa River and associated tributaries
Defining ecological and economical hydropoweroperations: a framework for managing dam releasesto meet multiple conflicting objectives
Using structured decision making to manage disease risk for Montana wildlife
Adaptive management of flows from dams: a win-win framework for water users
Catfish population characteristics in tailwater and reservoir habitats of the Coosa River, Alabama
A digital underwater video camera system for aquatic research in regulated rivers
Engaging stakeholders for adaptive management using structured decision analysis
Proposal for adaptive management to conserve biotic integrity in a regulated segment of the Tallapoosa River, Alabama, U.S.A
Environmental impact of elevated arsenic in Southern Appalachian Basin coals
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.