This is a photo of fieldwork on the pilot Chinook egg survival study occurring in the Sacramento River, California.
John Plumb, Ph.D.
John is the lead scientist for the Lower Snake River Field Station, Clarkston, WA with the mission to conduct research that informs the recovery of Snake River fall Chinook Salmon. His broader research aims to provide novel ways to quantify and assess the growth, movement, and survival of fishes within the Columbia, Snake, and Sacramento rivers.
John’s expertise is in the application and development of statistical and mechanistic models to answer specific research and river management questions. For example, his current projects seeks to (1) monitor and quantify the life cycle production of naturally produced Snake River fall Chinook salmon, (2) monitor and model gas bubble trauma of resident fishes below Snake and Columbia rivers dams, and (3) conduct field experiments to measure the effects of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and sedimentation on egg-to-fry survival of winter run Chinook Salmon in the upper Sacramento River.
John’s duties include writing research proposals, determining project budgets, study design and analysis of data, the application of novel statistical models, and the writing, publishing, and communication of research findings. As the lead scientist John directs and supports the activities of 10 scientists and technicians, and the boats, equipment, and needs of the Lower Snake River Field Station.
Professional Experience
2024-Present: Supervisory Research Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Cook, WA
2020-2024: Research Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Cook, WA
2012-2020: Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Cook, WA
2009-2012: Research Associate, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
2007-2009: Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Cook, WA
2005-2007: Research Associate, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, CA
1996-2005: Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Cook, WA
Education and Certifications
PhD. 2012. Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
M.S. 2012. Applied Statistics, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
M.S. 2007. Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, CA
B.S. 1994. Biology, Ohio University, Athens, OH
A.S. 1992. Ecology and Environmental Technology, Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smith’s, NY
Affiliations and Memberships*
2011: Fisheries Society of the British Isles / Lifetime member
2005: American Fisheries Society / professional member
Honors and Awards
2012: Best professional paper, Idaho Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Science and Products
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Locations in Earthen Ponds Exposed to Three Acoustic Signals, June though August, 2018 Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Locations in Earthen Ponds Exposed to Three Acoustic Signals, June though August, 2018
Daily and annual abundances of natural- and hatchery-origin age-0 fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) passing Lower Granite Dam, Washington 1992 - 2021 Daily and annual abundances of natural- and hatchery-origin age-0 fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) passing Lower Granite Dam, Washington 1992 - 2021
Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019) Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019)
This is a photo of fieldwork on the pilot Chinook egg survival study occurring in the Sacramento River, California.
This is a diagram of a cross section of a dam. This diagram is to show where gas bubble trauma could occur.
This is a diagram of a cross section of a dam. This diagram is to show where gas bubble trauma could occur.
This is a photo of a fish with gas bubble trauma. For decades, scientists at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) have worked alongside dam operators to monitor a lesser-known threat to fish in the Columbia and Snake rivers: gas bubble trauma.
This is a photo of a fish with gas bubble trauma. For decades, scientists at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) have worked alongside dam operators to monitor a lesser-known threat to fish in the Columbia and Snake rivers: gas bubble trauma.
To understand gas bubble trauma, imagine scuba divers surfacing too quickly. As pressure decreases, dissolved gases in their blood can form bubbles, causing joint pain, paralysis, and even death—a condition commonly known as “the bends.” Fish can experience something similar.
To understand gas bubble trauma, imagine scuba divers surfacing too quickly. As pressure decreases, dissolved gases in their blood can form bubbles, causing joint pain, paralysis, and even death—a condition commonly known as “the bends.” Fish can experience something similar.
Since the early 1990s, WFRC has supported state and federal agencies by providing regular assessments of gas bubble trauma in salmon. But salmon aren’t the only fish affected. In 2020, scientists at the Cook lab began monitoring GBT in resident species like sculpin, northern pikeminnow, and three-spined stickleback.
Since the early 1990s, WFRC has supported state and federal agencies by providing regular assessments of gas bubble trauma in salmon. But salmon aren’t the only fish affected. In 2020, scientists at the Cook lab began monitoring GBT in resident species like sculpin, northern pikeminnow, and three-spined stickleback.

This is fieldwork from a Chinook salmon egg survival pilot study in the Sacramento River. Egg boxes were placed in the river at different locations to collect data on egg-to-fry survival. Some examples of data collected include water velocity and river flow, gravel temperature, scour and deposition, and sediment type.
This is fieldwork from a Chinook salmon egg survival pilot study in the Sacramento River. Egg boxes were placed in the river at different locations to collect data on egg-to-fry survival. Some examples of data collected include water velocity and river flow, gravel temperature, scour and deposition, and sediment type.

Study Map of Tagged Juvenile Late-Fall Run Chinook Salmon Released Upstream of Shasta Reservoir, California
linkStakeholder interests have spurred the reintroduction of the critically endangered populations of Chinook Salmon to tributaries upstream of Shasta Dam, in northern California. We released two groups of acoustically tagged, juvenile hatchery, late-fall Chinook Salmon to determine how juvenile salmon would distribute and survive.
Study Map of Tagged Juvenile Late-Fall Run Chinook Salmon Released Upstream of Shasta Reservoir, California
linkStakeholder interests have spurred the reintroduction of the critically endangered populations of Chinook Salmon to tributaries upstream of Shasta Dam, in northern California. We released two groups of acoustically tagged, juvenile hatchery, late-fall Chinook Salmon to determine how juvenile salmon would distribute and survive.
Calibration of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to estimate annual survival, movement, and food consumption by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the restoration reach of the Trinity River, California, 2006–18 Calibration of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to estimate annual survival, movement, and food consumption by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the restoration reach of the Trinity River, California, 2006–18
Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds
Back from the brink: Estimating daily and annual abundance of natural-origin salmon smolts from 30-years of mixed-origin capture-recapture data Back from the brink: Estimating daily and annual abundance of natural-origin salmon smolts from 30-years of mixed-origin capture-recapture data
Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon research and monitoring Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon research and monitoring
Hydrologic, water operations, reservoir temperature, river temperature, sediment transport, habitat, and fish population modeling for the Trinity River Water Management Plan Hydrologic, water operations, reservoir temperature, river temperature, sediment transport, habitat, and fish population modeling for the Trinity River Water Management Plan
Application of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to assess fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the American River, California Application of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to assess fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the American River, California
Movement and behavioral states of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in response to a behavioral deterrent in a navigational lock Movement and behavioral states of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in response to a behavioral deterrent in a navigational lock
Calibration of the Trinity River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) with extension to the Klamath River, California, 2006–17 Calibration of the Trinity River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) with extension to the Klamath River, California, 2006–17
Assessment of habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Willamette River Basin, 2020–21 Assessment of habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Willamette River Basin, 2020–21
Simulating post-dam removal effects of hatchery operations and disease on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the Lower Klamath River, California Simulating post-dam removal effects of hatchery operations and disease on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the Lower Klamath River, California
Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook salmon ESU Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook salmon ESU
Predator and prey events at the entrance of a surface‐oriented fish collector at North Fork Dam, Oregon Predator and prey events at the entrance of a surface‐oriented fish collector at North Fork Dam, Oregon
Science and Products
Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Locations in Earthen Ponds Exposed to Three Acoustic Signals, June though August, 2018 Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Locations in Earthen Ponds Exposed to Three Acoustic Signals, June though August, 2018
Daily and annual abundances of natural- and hatchery-origin age-0 fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) passing Lower Granite Dam, Washington 1992 - 2021 Daily and annual abundances of natural- and hatchery-origin age-0 fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) passing Lower Granite Dam, Washington 1992 - 2021
Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019) Acoustic Telemetry Evaluation of Invasive Carp in Kaukauna, Wisconsin (Summer 2019)
This is a photo of fieldwork on the pilot Chinook egg survival study occurring in the Sacramento River, California.
This is a photo of fieldwork on the pilot Chinook egg survival study occurring in the Sacramento River, California.
This is a diagram of a cross section of a dam. This diagram is to show where gas bubble trauma could occur.
This is a diagram of a cross section of a dam. This diagram is to show where gas bubble trauma could occur.
This is a photo of a fish with gas bubble trauma. For decades, scientists at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) have worked alongside dam operators to monitor a lesser-known threat to fish in the Columbia and Snake rivers: gas bubble trauma.
This is a photo of a fish with gas bubble trauma. For decades, scientists at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) have worked alongside dam operators to monitor a lesser-known threat to fish in the Columbia and Snake rivers: gas bubble trauma.
To understand gas bubble trauma, imagine scuba divers surfacing too quickly. As pressure decreases, dissolved gases in their blood can form bubbles, causing joint pain, paralysis, and even death—a condition commonly known as “the bends.” Fish can experience something similar.
To understand gas bubble trauma, imagine scuba divers surfacing too quickly. As pressure decreases, dissolved gases in their blood can form bubbles, causing joint pain, paralysis, and even death—a condition commonly known as “the bends.” Fish can experience something similar.
Since the early 1990s, WFRC has supported state and federal agencies by providing regular assessments of gas bubble trauma in salmon. But salmon aren’t the only fish affected. In 2020, scientists at the Cook lab began monitoring GBT in resident species like sculpin, northern pikeminnow, and three-spined stickleback.
Since the early 1990s, WFRC has supported state and federal agencies by providing regular assessments of gas bubble trauma in salmon. But salmon aren’t the only fish affected. In 2020, scientists at the Cook lab began monitoring GBT in resident species like sculpin, northern pikeminnow, and three-spined stickleback.

This is fieldwork from a Chinook salmon egg survival pilot study in the Sacramento River. Egg boxes were placed in the river at different locations to collect data on egg-to-fry survival. Some examples of data collected include water velocity and river flow, gravel temperature, scour and deposition, and sediment type.
This is fieldwork from a Chinook salmon egg survival pilot study in the Sacramento River. Egg boxes were placed in the river at different locations to collect data on egg-to-fry survival. Some examples of data collected include water velocity and river flow, gravel temperature, scour and deposition, and sediment type.

Study Map of Tagged Juvenile Late-Fall Run Chinook Salmon Released Upstream of Shasta Reservoir, California
linkStakeholder interests have spurred the reintroduction of the critically endangered populations of Chinook Salmon to tributaries upstream of Shasta Dam, in northern California. We released two groups of acoustically tagged, juvenile hatchery, late-fall Chinook Salmon to determine how juvenile salmon would distribute and survive.
Study Map of Tagged Juvenile Late-Fall Run Chinook Salmon Released Upstream of Shasta Reservoir, California
linkStakeholder interests have spurred the reintroduction of the critically endangered populations of Chinook Salmon to tributaries upstream of Shasta Dam, in northern California. We released two groups of acoustically tagged, juvenile hatchery, late-fall Chinook Salmon to determine how juvenile salmon would distribute and survive.
Calibration of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to estimate annual survival, movement, and food consumption by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the restoration reach of the Trinity River, California, 2006–18 Calibration of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to estimate annual survival, movement, and food consumption by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the restoration reach of the Trinity River, California, 2006–18
Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds
Back from the brink: Estimating daily and annual abundance of natural-origin salmon smolts from 30-years of mixed-origin capture-recapture data Back from the brink: Estimating daily and annual abundance of natural-origin salmon smolts from 30-years of mixed-origin capture-recapture data
Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon research and monitoring Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon research and monitoring
Hydrologic, water operations, reservoir temperature, river temperature, sediment transport, habitat, and fish population modeling for the Trinity River Water Management Plan Hydrologic, water operations, reservoir temperature, river temperature, sediment transport, habitat, and fish population modeling for the Trinity River Water Management Plan
Application of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to assess fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the American River, California Application of the Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) model to assess fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the American River, California
Movement and behavioral states of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in response to a behavioral deterrent in a navigational lock Movement and behavioral states of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in response to a behavioral deterrent in a navigational lock
Calibration of the Trinity River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) with extension to the Klamath River, California, 2006–17 Calibration of the Trinity River Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3) with extension to the Klamath River, California, 2006–17
Assessment of habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Willamette River Basin, 2020–21 Assessment of habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Willamette River Basin, 2020–21
Simulating post-dam removal effects of hatchery operations and disease on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the Lower Klamath River, California Simulating post-dam removal effects of hatchery operations and disease on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the Lower Klamath River, California
Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook salmon ESU Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook salmon ESU
Predator and prey events at the entrance of a surface‐oriented fish collector at North Fork Dam, Oregon Predator and prey events at the entrance of a surface‐oriented fish collector at North Fork Dam, Oregon
*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