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Heather Galbraith (Former Employee)

Science and Products

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Bathymetric LiDAR mapping result.

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
Learn More
link
Comparing eDNA sampling methods

Developing and testing eDNA markers for the Federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon and other key freshwater mussel species

Dwarf wedgemussel is a federally endangered freshwater mussel with a historic range spanning the Atlantic coast. However, populations have dramatically declines over the last 30 years. Therefore, knowledge of current population distribution and abundance is critical to resource managers in order to monitor the species over time and to guide recovery actions. Manual survey efforts (snorkel or scuba...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Developing and testing eDNA markers for the Federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon and other key freshwater mussel species

Dwarf wedgemussel is a federally endangered freshwater mussel with a historic range spanning the Atlantic coast. However, populations have dramatically declines over the last 30 years. Therefore, knowledge of current population distribution and abundance is critical to resource managers in order to monitor the species over time and to guide recovery actions. Manual survey efforts (snorkel or scuba...
Learn More
link
Surveying for dwarf wedgemussels

Ecological flow needs of freshwater mussels

Streamflow characteristics are rapidly changing in response to climate variability, water management practices, and a variety of other human water demands. Alterations in water quantity can have direct impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., stranding, displacement, disruption of spawning), and can be especially detrimental to organisms with limited mobility. Freshwater mussels are one such group of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Ecological flow needs of freshwater mussels

Streamflow characteristics are rapidly changing in response to climate variability, water management practices, and a variety of other human water demands. Alterations in water quantity can have direct impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., stranding, displacement, disruption of spawning), and can be especially detrimental to organisms with limited mobility. Freshwater mussels are one such group of...
Learn More
link
Collecting near-shore bathymetry data

Improving ecological flow science in the mainstem Delaware through WaterSMART

Demand for freshwater is increasing with human population growth and is exacerbated by water management practices, climate variability, and land use alternation. Ecological flow science attempts to understand flows necessary to support aquatic organisms so that managers can balance these with diverse human water demands. A primary focus of the USGS Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory (NARL)...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Improving ecological flow science in the mainstem Delaware through WaterSMART

Demand for freshwater is increasing with human population growth and is exacerbated by water management practices, climate variability, and land use alternation. Ecological flow science attempts to understand flows necessary to support aquatic organisms so that managers can balance these with diverse human water demands. A primary focus of the USGS Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory (NARL)...
Learn More
link
Juvenile brook trout

Assessing the effects of chloride exposure on aquatic organisms

Increased salinization of freshwater systems is a growing concern, and can be attributed to a variety of factors including climate change, land-use change, agricultural practices, road de-icing, and brines released from fossil fuel extraction. Effects of increased salinization on aquatic organisms is little understood and may be vastly different among species and among different life stages.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Assessing the effects of chloride exposure on aquatic organisms

Increased salinization of freshwater systems is a growing concern, and can be attributed to a variety of factors including climate change, land-use change, agricultural practices, road de-icing, and brines released from fossil fuel extraction. Effects of increased salinization on aquatic organisms is little understood and may be vastly different among species and among different life stages.
Learn More
link
Thermal habitat mapping

Development of fine-scale temperature models in the Delaware River: Application to predictive temperature modeling, decision support tools, and ecosystem services

Temperature is a primary driver of biological and ecological processes, and in rivers and streams influences distribution, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. USGS Northern Appalachian Laboratory (NARL) researchers are working with resource managers in the Delaware River Basin and collaborators at USGS Fort Collins Science Center to predict and model riverine temperature, particularly...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Development of fine-scale temperature models in the Delaware River: Application to predictive temperature modeling, decision support tools, and ecosystem services

Temperature is a primary driver of biological and ecological processes, and in rivers and streams influences distribution, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. USGS Northern Appalachian Laboratory (NARL) researchers are working with resource managers in the Delaware River Basin and collaborators at USGS Fort Collins Science Center to predict and model riverine temperature, particularly...
Learn More
link
Elver stage American eel, Anguilla rostrata

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration
Learn More
link
Eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata) mussel

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels
Learn More
link
Dwarf wedgemussel DNA sample collection

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
Learn More
link
Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

It is difficult to evaluate the presence or abundance of many imperiled species. Low numbers, cryptic behaviors or habitats that are difficult to search can combine to make it difficult for a researcher to detect and monitor species and population changes. Wildlife and Fisheries researchers are applying research tools from molecular science to attempt to better understand and evaluate these...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

It is difficult to evaluate the presence or abundance of many imperiled species. Low numbers, cryptic behaviors or habitats that are difficult to search can combine to make it difficult for a researcher to detect and monitor species and population changes. Wildlife and Fisheries researchers are applying research tools from molecular science to attempt to better understand and evaluate these...
Learn More
link
Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussel Physiology

Freshwater mussels are considered ecosystems engineers benefiting the streams and rivers they inhabit through filtration, biodeposition, and nutrient cycling, thereby influencing water quality. However, many of these species are rapidly declining due to shifting environmental conditions and habitat loss. Researchers at Leetown Science Center are evaluating how different species of mussels respond...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Freshwater Mussel Physiology

Freshwater mussels are considered ecosystems engineers benefiting the streams and rivers they inhabit through filtration, biodeposition, and nutrient cycling, thereby influencing water quality. However, many of these species are rapidly declining due to shifting environmental conditions and habitat loss. Researchers at Leetown Science Center are evaluating how different species of mussels respond...
Learn More

Neversink River freshwater mussel surveys: 2006-2009

Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Neversink River in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river in 2006 and 2007; a subset of these sections were re-surveyed qualitatively in 2009. The number of mussels of each species and associated search tim
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Pine Creek freshwater mussel qualitative survey data 1995 through 2009

Data are included for field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Pine Creek watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in ~200 meter sections of river between 1995 and 2009; The number of mussels of each species and associated search time were recorded for each survey section to determine a catch per unit effort (CPUE
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Bile acid concentrations in tissues of American eel that were held at Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, as derived from liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is an imperiled fish hypothesized to use conspecific cues, in part, to coordinate long distance migration during their multi-stage life history. Here, tissues from multiple American eel life stages were collected and analyzed for the presence and concentration of bile acids. Specifically, samples were collected in the Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory du
By
Great Lakes Science Center

Laboratory studies on the thermal biology of freshwater mussels and their host fish species

Data are included for laboratory studies evaluating the thermal biology of several freshwater mussel species and their host fish including dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), creeper (Strophitus undulatus), eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata), tesselated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Thermal endpoints inclu
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Susquehanna River Basin freshwater mussel surveys: 2008-2015

Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels throughout the Susquehanna River Basin (and one site in the Potomac River Basin) in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States from 2008-2010. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river (at least 8 in each stream). The number of mussels of each species and associat
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Site bathymetry, water temperature and rating curve 2004 and 2005 data for 3 sites in the Delaware River mainstem

Data were obtained in order to develop bathymetric maps, rating curve relationships between site stage and river flow conditions, and water temperature to better understand the habitat needs of the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, to inform conservation of the species and management of the river. Data are included from three parts of the research in the Delaware River focusing on three si
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Laboratory study on the effects of rearing temperature on American glass eels, Anguila rostrata (2011)

Data were collected on American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) to determine optimal thermal conditions for laboratory rearing and aquaculture. American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) were housed in buckets for 3 weeks at 14, 18, 22, or 26°C (n=5 buckets/treatment) to determine optimal juvenile rearing temperature in the laboratory. Initial weight (g) was recorded for each bucket. During the 3 week
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Silver eel responses to live and dead silver eel odors at the U.S. Geological Survey Wellsboro Lab in 2015

This is a tabular data set that contains morphological and experimental data for a study testing if silver stage American eel respond to each other's odor. Inside a laboratory flume, downstream-swimming eels were exposed to both live (putative attractant) and dead (putative repellent) conspecific washings to determine whether their trajectory of downstream movement, level of activity, or time spen
By
Great Lakes Science Center
Filter Total Items: 32

American eels produce and release bile acids that vary across life stage

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata ) is an imperilled fish hypothesized to use conspecific cues, in part, to coordinate long‐distance migration during their multistage life history. Here, holding water and tissue from multiple American eel life stages was collected and analysed for the presence, profile and concentration of bile acids. Distinct bile acid profiles were identified in glass, elver,
Authors
Andrew K. Schmucker, Nicholas S. Johnson, Ugo Bussy, Ke Li, Heather S. Galbraith, Yu-Wen Chung-Davidson, Weiming Li
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center

A weight-of-evidence approach for defining thermal sensitivity in a federally endangered species

1. Managing for threatened and endangered species under changing environmental conditions is a challenge faced by resource managers worldwide. Lack of basic knowledge of the biology and habitat requirements of these species can contribute to this difficulty, but is confounded by the limitations of working with rare (i.e. few individuals) species or unrefined methods for evaluating stress. 2. A wei
Authors
Heather Galbraith, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Daniel E. Spooner, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative summary report

Federal agencies need credible scientific information to determine the production and value of ecosystem services in an efficient and timely manner. The U.S. Geological Survey addresses this scientific information need through the Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative project. The project has relied on U.S. Geological Survey expertise related to water, fisheries, advanced modeling, and econo
Authors
Christopher Huber, James Meldrum, Rudy Schuster, Zachary H. Ancona, Kenneth J. Bagstad, Scott M. Beck, Daren Carlisle, Peter R. Claggett, Fabiano Franco, Heather S. Galbraith, Michelle Haefele, Kristin R Hoelting, Dianna M. Hogan, Kristina G. Hopkins, Tim Kern, Collin B. Lawrence, Stacy Lischka, John B. Loomis, Julie M. Mueller, Gregory Noe, Emily J. Pindilli, Brian Quay, Darius J. Semmens, Wilson Sinclair, Daniel E. Spooner, Brian Voigt, Barabara St. John White
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Detecting the undetectable: Characterization, optimization, and validation of an eDNA detection assay for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon (Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Environmental (e)DNA assays are valuable tools for monitoring presence and distribution of cryptic species. Like many freshwater mussels, the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon numbers have dwindled and its range has diminished. As of its listing in 1993, only 10 to 20 locations were known to persist of the 70 Atlantic slope locations known historically. A qPCR assay to detect the presence
Authors
W. Bane Schill, Heather S. Galbraith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

The complete maternal mitochondrial genome sequences of two imperiled North American freshwater mussels: Alasmidonta heterodon and Alasmidonta varicosa (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae)

The freshwater mussels Alasmidonta heterodon and A. varicosa historically inhabited rivers along the North American Atlantic coast from the Carolinas, U.S.A., to New Brunswick, CA. However, many populations have been extirpated, and A. heterodon is now federally listed in the U.S.A. as endangered, and both A. heterodon and A. varicosa are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. To facilitate ge
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Cheryl L. Morrison, Heather Galbraith, Michael S. Eackles, W. Bane Schill, Tim L. King
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Linking otolith microchemistry and surface water contamination from natural gas mining

Unconventional natural gas drilling and the use of hydraulic fracturing technology have expanded rapidly in North America. This expansion has raised concerns of surface water contamination by way of spills and leaks, which may be sporadic, small, and therefore difficult to detect. Here we explore the use of otolith microchemistry as a tool for monitoring surface water contamination from generated
Authors
David H. Keller, Paula M. Zelanko, Joel E. Gagnon, Richard J. Horwitz, Heather S. Galbraith, David J. Velinsky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

The effects of rearing temperature on American glass eels

American eels are declining throughout their range requiring a better understanding of physiological requirements of all life stages and optimal conditions for laboratory rearing and aquaculture. American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) were housed for 3 weeks at 14˚C, 18˚C, 22˚C, or 26˚C to determine optimal juvenile rearing temperature in the laboratory. All treatments exhibited weight gain over
Authors
Carrie J. Blakeslee, Heather S. Galbraith, Robert M. Deems
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat

Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive m
Authors
Jeffrey C. Cole, Phillip A. Townsend, Keith N. Eshleman, Barbara St. John White, Heather S. Galbraith, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Reestablishing a host–affiliate relationship: Migratory fish reintroduction increases native mussel recruitment

Co‐extirpation among host–affiliate species is thought to be a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are at risk globally and face many threats to survival, including limited access to viable host fish required to complete their life history. We examine the relationship between the common eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata) and its migratory host fis
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Julie L. Devers, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Jeffrey C. Cole, Barbara St. John White, Steven Minkkinen, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Exposure to synthetic hydraulic fracturing waste influences the mucosal bacterial community structure of the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) epidermis

Production of natural gas using unconventional technologies has risen as demand for alternative fuels has increased. Impacts on the environment from waste generated from these processes are largely unexplored. In particular, the outcomes of organismal exposure to hydraulic fracturing waste have not been rigorously evaluated. We evaluated the effects of exposure to surrogate hydraulic fracturing wa
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Daniel E. Spooner, Luke R. Iwanowicz, David Keller, Paula M. Zelanko, Cynthia R. Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Freshwater mussel survey for the Columbia Dam removal, Paulins Kill, New Jersey

Semi-quantitative mussel surveys, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, were completed in the vicinity of the Columbia Dam, on the Paulins Kill, New Jersey, in August 2017 in order to document the mussel species composition and relative abundance prior to removal of the dam. Surveys were conducted from the Brugler R
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Jeffrey C. Cole, Erik L. Silldorff
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Changes in freshwater mussel communities linked to legacy pollution in the Lower Delaware River

Freshwater mussels are among the most-imperiled organisms worldwide, although they provide a variety of important functions in the streams and rivers they inhabit. Among Atlantic-slope rivers, the Delaware River is known for its freshwater mussel diversity and biomass; however, limited data are available on the freshwater mussel fauna in the lower, non-tidal portion of the river. This section of t
Authors
Carrie J. Blakeslee, Erik L. Silldorff, Heather S. Galbraith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Hargrave, Chad W., Raul Ramirez, Melody Brooks, Michael A. Eggleton, Katherine Sutherland, Raelynn Deaton, and Galbraith, H.S. 2006. Indirect food web interactions increase growth of an algivorous stream fish. Freshwater Biology 51(10):1901-1910. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2006.01625.x.
Vaughn, C.C., Spooner, D.E., and Galbraith, H.S. 2007. Context-dependent species identity effects within a functional group of filter-feeding bivalves. Ecology 88:1654-1662. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/06-0471.1.
Galbraith, H.S., Spooner, D.E., Vaughn, C.C. 2008. Status of rare and endangered freshwater mussels in southeastern Oklahoma rivers. Southwestern Association of Naturalists 53(1):45-50. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909(2008)53[45:SORAEF]2.0.CO;2.
Galbraith, H.S., Meier, C.K., and Vaughn, C.C. 2008. Environmental variables interact across spatial scales to structure trichopteran assemblages in Ouachita Mountain Rivers. Hydrobiologia 596(1):401-411. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-007-9124-z.
Galbraith, H.S., Frazier, S., Allison, B., and Vaughn, C.C. 2009. Comparison of gill surface morphology across a guild of suspension feeding bivalves. Journal of Molluscan Studies 75(2): 103-107. DOI: 10.1093/mollus/eyn045.
Allen, D. C., Heather S. Galbraith, Caryn C. Vaughn, and Daniel E. Spooner. 2013. A tale of two rivers: Implications of water management practices for mussel biodiversity outcomes during droughts. Ambio. 42: 881-891.
Lellis, William A., Barbara St. John White, Jeffery C. Cole, Connie S. Johnson, Julie L. Devers, Heather S. Galbraith. 2013. Newly documented host fish for the Eastern Elliptio Mussel (Elliptio complanata). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management. 4: 75-85.
Galbraith, Heather S., Caleigh M. Smith, Kristyne M. Wozney, David T. Zanatta, Chris Wilson. 2011. Development and characterization of nine microsatellite loci for the endangered Kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus fasciolaris, and cross-amplification in closely related lampsilines (Bivalvia: Unionoida). Conservation Genetics Resources. 3:533-536.
Galbraith, Heather S., Kristyne M. Wozney, Caleigh M. Smith, David T. Zanatta, Chris Wilson. 2011. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the freshwater mussel Lasmigona costata (Bivalvia: Unionoida). Conservation Genetics Resources. 3:9-11.
Galbraith, Heather S. and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2011. Effects of reservoir management on abundance, condition, parasitism and reproductive traits of downstream mussels. River Research and Applications. 27:193-201.
Galbraith, Heather S., Daniel E. Spooner, Caryn C. Vaughn. 2010. Synergistic effects of regional climate patterns and local water management on freshwater mussel communities. Biological Conservation. 143:1175-1183.
Galbraith, Heather S. and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2009. Temperature and food interact to influence gamete development in freshwater mussels. Hydrobiologia, 636:35-47.
Galbraith, Heather S., Sarah Frazier, Brenda Allison and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2009. Comparison of gill surface morphology across a guild of suspension feeding bivalves. Journal of Molluscan Studies 75(2):103-107.
Galbraith, Heather S., Christina K. Meier, and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2008. Environmental variables interact across spatial scales to structure trichopteran assemblages in Ouachita Mountain Rivers. Hydrobiologia 596(1):401-411.

**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.

Genetics Provide New Hope for Endangered Freshwater Mussels

Genetics Provide New Hope for Endangered Freshwater Mussels

WELLSBORO, Pa. — A piece of the restoration puzzle to save populations of endangered freshwater mussels may have been found, according to a recent U.S...
Read Article
Image: Mapleleaf Mussel
Mapleleaf Mussel
Mapleleaf Mussel
Image: Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf mussel, Quadrula quadrula, collected from the Great Lakes region of Canada.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf mussel, Quadrula quadrula, collected from the Great Lakes region of Canada.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing

Science and Products

link
Bathymetric LiDAR mapping result.

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
Learn More
link
Comparing eDNA sampling methods

Developing and testing eDNA markers for the Federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon and other key freshwater mussel species

Dwarf wedgemussel is a federally endangered freshwater mussel with a historic range spanning the Atlantic coast. However, populations have dramatically declines over the last 30 years. Therefore, knowledge of current population distribution and abundance is critical to resource managers in order to monitor the species over time and to guide recovery actions. Manual survey efforts (snorkel or scuba...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Developing and testing eDNA markers for the Federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon and other key freshwater mussel species

Dwarf wedgemussel is a federally endangered freshwater mussel with a historic range spanning the Atlantic coast. However, populations have dramatically declines over the last 30 years. Therefore, knowledge of current population distribution and abundance is critical to resource managers in order to monitor the species over time and to guide recovery actions. Manual survey efforts (snorkel or scuba...
Learn More
link
Surveying for dwarf wedgemussels

Ecological flow needs of freshwater mussels

Streamflow characteristics are rapidly changing in response to climate variability, water management practices, and a variety of other human water demands. Alterations in water quantity can have direct impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., stranding, displacement, disruption of spawning), and can be especially detrimental to organisms with limited mobility. Freshwater mussels are one such group of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Ecological flow needs of freshwater mussels

Streamflow characteristics are rapidly changing in response to climate variability, water management practices, and a variety of other human water demands. Alterations in water quantity can have direct impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., stranding, displacement, disruption of spawning), and can be especially detrimental to organisms with limited mobility. Freshwater mussels are one such group of...
Learn More
link
Collecting near-shore bathymetry data

Improving ecological flow science in the mainstem Delaware through WaterSMART

Demand for freshwater is increasing with human population growth and is exacerbated by water management practices, climate variability, and land use alternation. Ecological flow science attempts to understand flows necessary to support aquatic organisms so that managers can balance these with diverse human water demands. A primary focus of the USGS Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory (NARL)...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Improving ecological flow science in the mainstem Delaware through WaterSMART

Demand for freshwater is increasing with human population growth and is exacerbated by water management practices, climate variability, and land use alternation. Ecological flow science attempts to understand flows necessary to support aquatic organisms so that managers can balance these with diverse human water demands. A primary focus of the USGS Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory (NARL)...
Learn More
link
Juvenile brook trout

Assessing the effects of chloride exposure on aquatic organisms

Increased salinization of freshwater systems is a growing concern, and can be attributed to a variety of factors including climate change, land-use change, agricultural practices, road de-icing, and brines released from fossil fuel extraction. Effects of increased salinization on aquatic organisms is little understood and may be vastly different among species and among different life stages.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Assessing the effects of chloride exposure on aquatic organisms

Increased salinization of freshwater systems is a growing concern, and can be attributed to a variety of factors including climate change, land-use change, agricultural practices, road de-icing, and brines released from fossil fuel extraction. Effects of increased salinization on aquatic organisms is little understood and may be vastly different among species and among different life stages.
Learn More
link
Thermal habitat mapping

Development of fine-scale temperature models in the Delaware River: Application to predictive temperature modeling, decision support tools, and ecosystem services

Temperature is a primary driver of biological and ecological processes, and in rivers and streams influences distribution, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. USGS Northern Appalachian Laboratory (NARL) researchers are working with resource managers in the Delaware River Basin and collaborators at USGS Fort Collins Science Center to predict and model riverine temperature, particularly...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Development of fine-scale temperature models in the Delaware River: Application to predictive temperature modeling, decision support tools, and ecosystem services

Temperature is a primary driver of biological and ecological processes, and in rivers and streams influences distribution, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic species. USGS Northern Appalachian Laboratory (NARL) researchers are working with resource managers in the Delaware River Basin and collaborators at USGS Fort Collins Science Center to predict and model riverine temperature, particularly...
Learn More
link
Elver stage American eel, Anguilla rostrata

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration

The role of pheromones in guiding American eel migration
Learn More
link
Eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata) mussel

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels

Landscape genetics of Atlantic slope freshwater mussels
Learn More
link
Dwarf wedgemussel DNA sample collection

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US

Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
Learn More
link
Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

It is difficult to evaluate the presence or abundance of many imperiled species. Low numbers, cryptic behaviors or habitats that are difficult to search can combine to make it difficult for a researcher to detect and monitor species and population changes. Wildlife and Fisheries researchers are applying research tools from molecular science to attempt to better understand and evaluate these...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Imperiled Species Detection and Monitoring

It is difficult to evaluate the presence or abundance of many imperiled species. Low numbers, cryptic behaviors or habitats that are difficult to search can combine to make it difficult for a researcher to detect and monitor species and population changes. Wildlife and Fisheries researchers are applying research tools from molecular science to attempt to better understand and evaluate these...
Learn More
link
Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussel Physiology

Freshwater mussels are considered ecosystems engineers benefiting the streams and rivers they inhabit through filtration, biodeposition, and nutrient cycling, thereby influencing water quality. However, many of these species are rapidly declining due to shifting environmental conditions and habitat loss. Researchers at Leetown Science Center are evaluating how different species of mussels respond...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Freshwater Mussel Physiology

Freshwater mussels are considered ecosystems engineers benefiting the streams and rivers they inhabit through filtration, biodeposition, and nutrient cycling, thereby influencing water quality. However, many of these species are rapidly declining due to shifting environmental conditions and habitat loss. Researchers at Leetown Science Center are evaluating how different species of mussels respond...
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Neversink River freshwater mussel surveys: 2006-2009

Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Neversink River in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river in 2006 and 2007; a subset of these sections were re-surveyed qualitatively in 2009. The number of mussels of each species and associated search tim
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Pine Creek freshwater mussel qualitative survey data 1995 through 2009

Data are included for field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Pine Creek watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in ~200 meter sections of river between 1995 and 2009; The number of mussels of each species and associated search time were recorded for each survey section to determine a catch per unit effort (CPUE
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Bile acid concentrations in tissues of American eel that were held at Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, as derived from liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is an imperiled fish hypothesized to use conspecific cues, in part, to coordinate long distance migration during their multi-stage life history. Here, tissues from multiple American eel life stages were collected and analyzed for the presence and concentration of bile acids. Specifically, samples were collected in the Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory du
By
Great Lakes Science Center

Laboratory studies on the thermal biology of freshwater mussels and their host fish species

Data are included for laboratory studies evaluating the thermal biology of several freshwater mussel species and their host fish including dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), creeper (Strophitus undulatus), eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata), tesselated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Thermal endpoints inclu
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Susquehanna River Basin freshwater mussel surveys: 2008-2015

Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels throughout the Susquehanna River Basin (and one site in the Potomac River Basin) in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States from 2008-2010. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river (at least 8 in each stream). The number of mussels of each species and associat
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Site bathymetry, water temperature and rating curve 2004 and 2005 data for 3 sites in the Delaware River mainstem

Data were obtained in order to develop bathymetric maps, rating curve relationships between site stage and river flow conditions, and water temperature to better understand the habitat needs of the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, to inform conservation of the species and management of the river. Data are included from three parts of the research in the Delaware River focusing on three si
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Eastern Ecological Science Center

Laboratory study on the effects of rearing temperature on American glass eels, Anguila rostrata (2011)

Data were collected on American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) to determine optimal thermal conditions for laboratory rearing and aquaculture. American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) were housed in buckets for 3 weeks at 14, 18, 22, or 26°C (n=5 buckets/treatment) to determine optimal juvenile rearing temperature in the laboratory. Initial weight (g) was recorded for each bucket. During the 3 week
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Silver eel responses to live and dead silver eel odors at the U.S. Geological Survey Wellsboro Lab in 2015

This is a tabular data set that contains morphological and experimental data for a study testing if silver stage American eel respond to each other's odor. Inside a laboratory flume, downstream-swimming eels were exposed to both live (putative attractant) and dead (putative repellent) conspecific washings to determine whether their trajectory of downstream movement, level of activity, or time spen
By
Great Lakes Science Center
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American eels produce and release bile acids that vary across life stage

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata ) is an imperilled fish hypothesized to use conspecific cues, in part, to coordinate long‐distance migration during their multistage life history. Here, holding water and tissue from multiple American eel life stages was collected and analysed for the presence, profile and concentration of bile acids. Distinct bile acid profiles were identified in glass, elver,
Authors
Andrew K. Schmucker, Nicholas S. Johnson, Ugo Bussy, Ke Li, Heather S. Galbraith, Yu-Wen Chung-Davidson, Weiming Li
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center

A weight-of-evidence approach for defining thermal sensitivity in a federally endangered species

1. Managing for threatened and endangered species under changing environmental conditions is a challenge faced by resource managers worldwide. Lack of basic knowledge of the biology and habitat requirements of these species can contribute to this difficulty, but is confounded by the limitations of working with rare (i.e. few individuals) species or unrefined methods for evaluating stress. 2. A wei
Authors
Heather Galbraith, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Daniel E. Spooner, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative summary report

Federal agencies need credible scientific information to determine the production and value of ecosystem services in an efficient and timely manner. The U.S. Geological Survey addresses this scientific information need through the Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative project. The project has relied on U.S. Geological Survey expertise related to water, fisheries, advanced modeling, and econo
Authors
Christopher Huber, James Meldrum, Rudy Schuster, Zachary H. Ancona, Kenneth J. Bagstad, Scott M. Beck, Daren Carlisle, Peter R. Claggett, Fabiano Franco, Heather S. Galbraith, Michelle Haefele, Kristin R Hoelting, Dianna M. Hogan, Kristina G. Hopkins, Tim Kern, Collin B. Lawrence, Stacy Lischka, John B. Loomis, Julie M. Mueller, Gregory Noe, Emily J. Pindilli, Brian Quay, Darius J. Semmens, Wilson Sinclair, Daniel E. Spooner, Brian Voigt, Barabara St. John White
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Detecting the undetectable: Characterization, optimization, and validation of an eDNA detection assay for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon (Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Environmental (e)DNA assays are valuable tools for monitoring presence and distribution of cryptic species. Like many freshwater mussels, the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon numbers have dwindled and its range has diminished. As of its listing in 1993, only 10 to 20 locations were known to persist of the 70 Atlantic slope locations known historically. A qPCR assay to detect the presence
Authors
W. Bane Schill, Heather S. Galbraith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

The complete maternal mitochondrial genome sequences of two imperiled North American freshwater mussels: Alasmidonta heterodon and Alasmidonta varicosa (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae)

The freshwater mussels Alasmidonta heterodon and A. varicosa historically inhabited rivers along the North American Atlantic coast from the Carolinas, U.S.A., to New Brunswick, CA. However, many populations have been extirpated, and A. heterodon is now federally listed in the U.S.A. as endangered, and both A. heterodon and A. varicosa are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. To facilitate ge
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Cheryl L. Morrison, Heather Galbraith, Michael S. Eackles, W. Bane Schill, Tim L. King
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Linking otolith microchemistry and surface water contamination from natural gas mining

Unconventional natural gas drilling and the use of hydraulic fracturing technology have expanded rapidly in North America. This expansion has raised concerns of surface water contamination by way of spills and leaks, which may be sporadic, small, and therefore difficult to detect. Here we explore the use of otolith microchemistry as a tool for monitoring surface water contamination from generated
Authors
David H. Keller, Paula M. Zelanko, Joel E. Gagnon, Richard J. Horwitz, Heather S. Galbraith, David J. Velinsky
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

The effects of rearing temperature on American glass eels

American eels are declining throughout their range requiring a better understanding of physiological requirements of all life stages and optimal conditions for laboratory rearing and aquaculture. American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) were housed for 3 weeks at 14˚C, 18˚C, 22˚C, or 26˚C to determine optimal juvenile rearing temperature in the laboratory. All treatments exhibited weight gain over
Authors
Carrie J. Blakeslee, Heather S. Galbraith, Robert M. Deems
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat

Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive m
Authors
Jeffrey C. Cole, Phillip A. Townsend, Keith N. Eshleman, Barbara St. John White, Heather S. Galbraith, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Reestablishing a host–affiliate relationship: Migratory fish reintroduction increases native mussel recruitment

Co‐extirpation among host–affiliate species is thought to be a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are at risk globally and face many threats to survival, including limited access to viable host fish required to complete their life history. We examine the relationship between the common eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata) and its migratory host fis
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Julie L. Devers, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Jeffrey C. Cole, Barbara St. John White, Steven Minkkinen, William A. Lellis
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Exposure to synthetic hydraulic fracturing waste influences the mucosal bacterial community structure of the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) epidermis

Production of natural gas using unconventional technologies has risen as demand for alternative fuels has increased. Impacts on the environment from waste generated from these processes are largely unexplored. In particular, the outcomes of organismal exposure to hydraulic fracturing waste have not been rigorously evaluated. We evaluated the effects of exposure to surrogate hydraulic fracturing wa
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Deborah D. Iwanowicz, Daniel E. Spooner, Luke R. Iwanowicz, David Keller, Paula M. Zelanko, Cynthia R. Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Freshwater mussel survey for the Columbia Dam removal, Paulins Kill, New Jersey

Semi-quantitative mussel surveys, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, were completed in the vicinity of the Columbia Dam, on the Paulins Kill, New Jersey, in August 2017 in order to document the mussel species composition and relative abundance prior to removal of the dam. Surveys were conducted from the Brugler R
Authors
Heather S. Galbraith, Carrie J. Blakeslee, Jeffrey C. Cole, Erik L. Silldorff
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Changes in freshwater mussel communities linked to legacy pollution in the Lower Delaware River

Freshwater mussels are among the most-imperiled organisms worldwide, although they provide a variety of important functions in the streams and rivers they inhabit. Among Atlantic-slope rivers, the Delaware River is known for its freshwater mussel diversity and biomass; however, limited data are available on the freshwater mussel fauna in the lower, non-tidal portion of the river. This section of t
Authors
Carrie J. Blakeslee, Erik L. Silldorff, Heather S. Galbraith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Hargrave, Chad W., Raul Ramirez, Melody Brooks, Michael A. Eggleton, Katherine Sutherland, Raelynn Deaton, and Galbraith, H.S. 2006. Indirect food web interactions increase growth of an algivorous stream fish. Freshwater Biology 51(10):1901-1910. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2006.01625.x.
Vaughn, C.C., Spooner, D.E., and Galbraith, H.S. 2007. Context-dependent species identity effects within a functional group of filter-feeding bivalves. Ecology 88:1654-1662. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/06-0471.1.
Galbraith, H.S., Spooner, D.E., Vaughn, C.C. 2008. Status of rare and endangered freshwater mussels in southeastern Oklahoma rivers. Southwestern Association of Naturalists 53(1):45-50. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909(2008)53[45:SORAEF]2.0.CO;2.
Galbraith, H.S., Meier, C.K., and Vaughn, C.C. 2008. Environmental variables interact across spatial scales to structure trichopteran assemblages in Ouachita Mountain Rivers. Hydrobiologia 596(1):401-411. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-007-9124-z.
Galbraith, H.S., Frazier, S., Allison, B., and Vaughn, C.C. 2009. Comparison of gill surface morphology across a guild of suspension feeding bivalves. Journal of Molluscan Studies 75(2): 103-107. DOI: 10.1093/mollus/eyn045.
Allen, D. C., Heather S. Galbraith, Caryn C. Vaughn, and Daniel E. Spooner. 2013. A tale of two rivers: Implications of water management practices for mussel biodiversity outcomes during droughts. Ambio. 42: 881-891.
Lellis, William A., Barbara St. John White, Jeffery C. Cole, Connie S. Johnson, Julie L. Devers, Heather S. Galbraith. 2013. Newly documented host fish for the Eastern Elliptio Mussel (Elliptio complanata). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management. 4: 75-85.
Galbraith, Heather S., Caleigh M. Smith, Kristyne M. Wozney, David T. Zanatta, Chris Wilson. 2011. Development and characterization of nine microsatellite loci for the endangered Kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus fasciolaris, and cross-amplification in closely related lampsilines (Bivalvia: Unionoida). Conservation Genetics Resources. 3:533-536.
Galbraith, Heather S., Kristyne M. Wozney, Caleigh M. Smith, David T. Zanatta, Chris Wilson. 2011. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the freshwater mussel Lasmigona costata (Bivalvia: Unionoida). Conservation Genetics Resources. 3:9-11.
Galbraith, Heather S. and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2011. Effects of reservoir management on abundance, condition, parasitism and reproductive traits of downstream mussels. River Research and Applications. 27:193-201.
Galbraith, Heather S., Daniel E. Spooner, Caryn C. Vaughn. 2010. Synergistic effects of regional climate patterns and local water management on freshwater mussel communities. Biological Conservation. 143:1175-1183.
Galbraith, Heather S. and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2009. Temperature and food interact to influence gamete development in freshwater mussels. Hydrobiologia, 636:35-47.
Galbraith, Heather S., Sarah Frazier, Brenda Allison and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2009. Comparison of gill surface morphology across a guild of suspension feeding bivalves. Journal of Molluscan Studies 75(2):103-107.
Galbraith, Heather S., Christina K. Meier, and Caryn C. Vaughn. 2008. Environmental variables interact across spatial scales to structure trichopteran assemblages in Ouachita Mountain Rivers. Hydrobiologia 596(1):401-411.

**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.

Genetics Provide New Hope for Endangered Freshwater Mussels

Genetics Provide New Hope for Endangered Freshwater Mussels

WELLSBORO, Pa. — A piece of the restoration puzzle to save populations of endangered freshwater mussels may have been found, according to a recent U.S...
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Image: Mapleleaf Mussel
Mapleleaf Mussel
Mapleleaf Mussel
Image: Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf mussel, Quadrula quadrula, collected from the Great Lakes region of Canada.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf Mussel

Mapleleaf mussel, Quadrula quadrula, collected from the Great Lakes region of Canada.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
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