Ian R Waite
Ian Waite has been an aquatic ecologist in the USGS Oregon Water Science Center since June 1992.
Research Focus My primary focus has been on understanding the effects of multiple instream stressors in wadeable streams on biological assemblages (diatoms, macroinvertebrates, fish) throughout the U.S., primarily looking at the effects of agriculture and urban land use.
One of my specialties is the use of multivariate statistics and various modeling techniques (e.g., machine learning, predictive, etc.) to help us untangle the complex mixture of natural and anthropogenic variables at diverse spatial scales (e.g., instream, local, watershed and regional) that are effecting stream ecosystems.
I've been applying various predictive modeling approaches to better understand the causal mechanisms of disturbance on aquatic ecosystems across a large diversity of ecosystems and scales. I collaborate with other federal agencies, Indian tribes, State and non-profit groups and I am increasingly working with international researchers to better understand and improve our ability to manage aquatic ecosystems. I work to communicate the findings through public meetings, watershed councils, international science conferences and in journal publications.
I feel I can analyze, develop models and summarize almost any type of data and present the findings in a clear concise manner.
Education and Certifications
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Natural Resources (Fisheries and Marine Biology), B.A., 1982.
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, Fisheries, M.Sc., 1987.
University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, Entomology (Minor-Aquatic Ecology), Ph.D., 1994.
Science and Products
Below are publications authored by Ian Waite.
A survey of benthic sediment contaminants in reaches of the Columbia River Estuary based on channel sedimentation characteristics
Contaminants of legacy and emerging concern in largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
Agricultural disturbance response models for invertebrate and algal metrics from streams at two spatial scales within the U.S.
Aquatic ecosystems as indicators of status and trends in water quality
Development and application of an agricultural intensity index to invertebrate and algal metrics from streams at two scales
Predicting biological condition in southern California streams
Comparison of stream invertebrate response models for bioassessment metric
Columbia River Estuary ecosystem classification—Concept and application
Response to King and Baker: Limitations on threshold detection and characterization of community thresholds
Responses of benthic macroinvertebrates to environmental changes associated with urbanization in nine metropolitan areas
Comparison of watershed disturbance predictive models for stream benthic macroinvertebrates for three distinct ecoregions in western US
Effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems in the Willamette River basin and surrounding area, Oregon and Washington
Below are data created by Ian Waite.
Science and Products
Below are publications authored by Ian Waite.
A survey of benthic sediment contaminants in reaches of the Columbia River Estuary based on channel sedimentation characteristics
Contaminants of legacy and emerging concern in largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA
Agricultural disturbance response models for invertebrate and algal metrics from streams at two spatial scales within the U.S.
Aquatic ecosystems as indicators of status and trends in water quality
Development and application of an agricultural intensity index to invertebrate and algal metrics from streams at two scales
Predicting biological condition in southern California streams
Comparison of stream invertebrate response models for bioassessment metric
Columbia River Estuary ecosystem classification—Concept and application
Response to King and Baker: Limitations on threshold detection and characterization of community thresholds
Responses of benthic macroinvertebrates to environmental changes associated with urbanization in nine metropolitan areas
Comparison of watershed disturbance predictive models for stream benthic macroinvertebrates for three distinct ecoregions in western US
Effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems in the Willamette River basin and surrounding area, Oregon and Washington
Below are data created by Ian Waite.