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Kimberly Lellis Dibble, Ph.D.

Kimberly Dibble's main area of expertise pertains to fish physiology and the use of biochemical indicators to assess the condition of fish, and she also uses quantitative methods to examine environmental drivers that influence trout recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across the Intermountain West. 

Kim quantifies fish lipid reserves in the laboratory to answer questions pertaining to the health of non-native and native fish residing downriver of Glen Canyon dam. Currently, she is using lipids to examine temporal patterns of fish energy acquisition and tradeoffs between energy storage, growth, and reproduction in fishes inhabiting five reaches of the Colorado River. She is also interested in the short and long-term population-level effects of fall-timed experimental floods on the growth and condition of age-0 trout. To that end, she uses lipid classes (triacylglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, etc.) combined with recent daily growth rate from otoliths to compare pre- and post-flood indices to overwinter survival and recruitment rates the following spring. In addition, she works with colleagues in the laboratory to develop a non-lethal tool to more accurately measure the condition of native, endangered fishes captured in the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers.

Science and Products

Climate change effects on North American fish and fisheries to inform adaptation strategies

Climate change is a global persistent threat to fish and fish habitats throughout North America. Climate-induced modification of environmental regimes, including changes in streamflow, water temperature, salinity, storm surges, and habitat connectivity can change fish physiology, disrupt spawning cues, cause fish extinctions and invasions, and alter fish community structure. Reducing greenhouse em
By
Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Water storage decisions will determine the distribution and persistence of imperiled river fishes

Managing the world’s freshwater supply to meet societal and environmental needs in a changing climate is one of the biggest challenges for the 21st century. Dams provide water security, however, the allocation of dwindling water supply among reservoirs could exacerbate or ameliorate the effects of climate change on aquatic communities. Here, we show that the relative sensitivity of river thermal r
By
Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

Net-spinning caddisfly distribution in large regulated rivers

Most of the world's large rivers are dammed for the purposes of water storage, flood control, and power production. Damming rivers fundamentally alters water temperature and flows in tailwater ecosystems, which in turn affects the presence and abundance of downstream biota.We collaborated with more than 200 citizen scientists to collect 2,194 light trap samples across 2 years and more than 2,000 r
By
Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

Warm water temperatures and shifts in seasonality increase trout recruitment but only moderately decrease adult size in western North American tailwaters

Dams throughout western North America have altered thermal regimes in rivers, creating cold, clear “tailwaters” in which trout populations thrive. Ongoing drought in the region has led to highly publicized reductions in reservoir storage and raised concerns about potential reductions in downstream flows. Large changes in riverine thermal regimes may also occur as reservoir water levels drop, yet t
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

Pulsed flows, tributary inputs, and food web structure in a highly regulated river

1.Dams disrupt the river continuum, altering hydrology, biodiversity, and energy flow. Although research indicates that tributary inputs have the potential to dilute these effects, knowledge at the food web level is still scarce.2.Here we examined the riverine food web structure of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, focusing on organic matter sources, trophic diversity, and food chain lengt
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

Does bioelectrical impedance analysis accurately estimate the condition of threatened and endangered desert fish species?

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a nonlethal tool with which to estimate the physiological condition of animals that has potential value in research on endangered species. However, the effectiveness of BIA varies by species, the methodology continues to be refined, and incidental mortality rates are unknown. Under laboratory conditions we tested the value of using BIA in addition to morph
By
Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

Flow management for hydropower extirpates aquatic insects, undermining river food webs

Dams impound the majority of rivers and provide important societal benefits, especially daily water releases that enable on-peak hydroelectricity generation. Such “hydropeaking” is common worldwide, but its downstream impacts remain unclear. We evaluated the response of aquatic insects, a cornerstone of river food webs, to hydropeaking using a life history–hydrodynamic model. Our model predicts th
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

Flow management and fish density regulate salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North America

Rainbow and brown trout have been intentionally introduced into tailwaters downriver of dams globally and provide billions of dollars in economic benefits. At the same time, recruitment and maximum length of trout populations in tailwaters often fluctuate erratically, which negatively affects the value of fisheries. Large recruitment events may increase dispersal downriver where other fish species
By
Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

Evaluation of potential anesthetics for the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata

By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Pre-USGS Publications

Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2016. Detection of decreased quantities of actively spawning female Fundulus heteroclitus in tidally restricted marshes relative to restored and reference sites. Biological Invasions 18: 2679-2687.
Dibble, K.L., M. Tyrrell, and P.S. Pooler. 2015. Factors that drive restoration of nekton communities in impaired salt marshes of Northeastern North America. Estuaries and Coasts 38(4): 1304-1316.
Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2014. The effects of plant invasion and ecosystem restoration on energy flow through salt marsh food webs. Estuaries and Coasts 37(2): 339-353.
Dibble, K.L., P. Pooler, and L.A. Meyerson. 2013. Impacts of plant invasions can be reversed through restoration: a regional meta-analysis of faunal communities. Biological Invasions 15(8): 1725-1737.
Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2012. Tidal flushing restores the physiological condition of fish residing in degraded salt marshes. PLoS ONE 7(9): e46161. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046161.
Chambers, R.M., L.A. Meyerson, and K.L. Dibble. 2012. Ecology of Phragmites australis and responses to tidal restoration. In C. Roman and D. Burdick (Eds.), Tidal Marsh Restoration: A Synthesis of Science and Management. Island Press, Washington, DC.
Anthony, A., J. Atwood, P. August, C. Byron, S. Cobb, C. Foster, C. Fry, A. Gold, K. Hagos, L. Heffner, D. Q. Kellogg, K. Lellis-Dibble, J. J. Opaluch, C. Oviatt, A. Pfeiffer-Herbert, N. Rohr, L. Smith, T. Smythe, J. Swift, and N. Vinhateiro. 2009. Coastal lagoons and climate change: ecological and social ramifications in U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast ecosystems. Ecology and Society 14(1): 8.
Lellis-Dibble, K.A., K.M. McGlynn, and T.E. Bigford. 2008. Estuarine fish and shellfish species in U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries: economic value as an incentive to protect and restore estuarine habitat. NOAA Technical Memorandum, NMFS-F/SPO-90.
Johnson, M.R., C. Boelke, L.A. Chiarella, P.D. Colosi, K. Greene, K. Lellis-Dibble, H. Ludemann, M. Ludwig, S. McDermott, J. Ortiz, D. Rusanowsky, M. Scott, and J. Smith. 2008. Impacts to marine fisheries habitat from nonfishing activities in the northeastern United States. NOAA Technical Memorandum, NMFS-NE-209. 339 pp.
Lellis, K.A. 2005. Living Shorelines: a technique used to protect, enhance, restore, and create natural habitat for aquatic species. The Coastal Society Bulletin 27(3): 1, 6-7.
link
Rainbow trout downstream of Glen Canyon Dam in the Colorado River

Is timing really everything? Evaluating Resource Response to Spring Disturbance Flows

Glen Canyon Dam has altered ecological processes of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Before the dam was built, the Colorado River experienced seasonable variable flow rates, including springtime flooding events. These spring floods scoured the river bottom and enhanced natural processes that sustained the Colorado River ecosystem. Since the dam’s construction in 1963, springtime floods have...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center
link

Is timing really everything? Evaluating Resource Response to Spring Disturbance Flows

Glen Canyon Dam has altered ecological processes of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Before the dam was built, the Colorado River experienced seasonable variable flow rates, including springtime flooding events. These spring floods scoured the river bottom and enhanced natural processes that sustained the Colorado River ecosystem. Since the dam’s construction in 1963, springtime floods have...
Learn More
link
Two USGS researchers on a small boat in the Colorado River sampling aquatic insects with a net.

Understanding Factors Influencing Rainbow Trout Growth in the Colorado River

Rainbow trout is a desirable sport fish that has been introduced in many locations around the world. Although introductions of rainbow trout and other nonnative fishes provide recreational fishing opportunities, they also pose threats to native fish populations. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program has tasked scientists and managers with identifying management options that allow rainbow...
By
Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
link

Understanding Factors Influencing Rainbow Trout Growth in the Colorado River

Rainbow trout is a desirable sport fish that has been introduced in many locations around the world. Although introductions of rainbow trout and other nonnative fishes provide recreational fishing opportunities, they also pose threats to native fish populations. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program has tasked scientists and managers with identifying management options that allow rainbow...
Learn More

Water temperature models, data and code for the Colorado, Green, San Juan, Yampa, and White rivers in the Colorado River basin

These data were compiled for a manuscript in which 1) we develop a water temperature model for the major river segments and tributaries of the Colorado River basin, including the Colorado, Green, Yampa, White, and San Juan rivers; 2) we link modeled water temperature to fish population data to predict the probability native and nonnative species will be common in the future in a warming climate; a
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

The influence of water temperature on salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North America--Data

These data were used to examine drivers behind changes in water temperature downriver of dams across the western U.S. from 1995-2015 and the influence of such changes on rainbow trout recruitment and rainbow and brown trout adult length. First, we linked reservoir storage capacity and dam size to the warmest monthly water temperature per water year (WY) to assess the influence of low storage capac
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Food Web Data, Colorado River Corridor, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2006

These data were compiled for a manuscript that examines the riverine food-web structure of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon dam to its confluence with Lake Mead. Tissue from primary producers (vascular plants and algae) and consumers (aquatic invertebrates and fish) were collected before and after monsoon floods in 2006 along the 388 kilometer segment of the Colorado River in the Southwest US.
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Bioelectrical impedance analysis for an endangered desert fish—Data

These data were used to examine the effectiveness of a non-lethal tool (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, "BIA") to estimate the physiological condition of endangered and threatened fishes in the Colorado River Basin. We conducted laboratory trials using hatchery-raised Humpback Chub and Bonytail and wild-captured Roundtail Chub, where fish were subjected to different feeding trials to elucidate a
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Flow management and fish density regulate salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North AmericaData

This data is a compilation of fishery monitoring data collected by state agencies over several decades in tailwaters downriver of dams in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Specifically, the data contained herein is summary data used in four generalized linear mixed models that were developed to assess the biological and hydrologic factors that in
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Colorado River Basin Projects

The Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology Team has created an interactive map of USGS projects to highlight the integrated science currently conducted within the Colorado River Basin. These projects are not all inclusive of the work conducted by the USGS within the CRB, but highlight the broad range of integrated science currently conducted. 

Science and Products

  • Publications

    Climate change effects on North American fish and fisheries to inform adaptation strategies

    Climate change is a global persistent threat to fish and fish habitats throughout North America. Climate-induced modification of environmental regimes, including changes in streamflow, water temperature, salinity, storm surges, and habitat connectivity can change fish physiology, disrupt spawning cues, cause fish extinctions and invasions, and alter fish community structure. Reducing greenhouse em
    By
    Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers

    Water storage decisions will determine the distribution and persistence of imperiled river fishes

    Managing the world’s freshwater supply to meet societal and environmental needs in a changing climate is one of the biggest challenges for the 21st century. Dams provide water security, however, the allocation of dwindling water supply among reservoirs could exacerbate or ameliorate the effects of climate change on aquatic communities. Here, we show that the relative sensitivity of river thermal r
    By
    Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Net-spinning caddisfly distribution in large regulated rivers

    Most of the world's large rivers are dammed for the purposes of water storage, flood control, and power production. Damming rivers fundamentally alters water temperature and flows in tailwater ecosystems, which in turn affects the presence and abundance of downstream biota.We collaborated with more than 200 citizen scientists to collect 2,194 light trap samples across 2 years and more than 2,000 r
    By
    Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Warm water temperatures and shifts in seasonality increase trout recruitment but only moderately decrease adult size in western North American tailwaters

    Dams throughout western North America have altered thermal regimes in rivers, creating cold, clear “tailwaters” in which trout populations thrive. Ongoing drought in the region has led to highly publicized reductions in reservoir storage and raised concerns about potential reductions in downstream flows. Large changes in riverine thermal regimes may also occur as reservoir water levels drop, yet t
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Pulsed flows, tributary inputs, and food web structure in a highly regulated river

    1.Dams disrupt the river continuum, altering hydrology, biodiversity, and energy flow. Although research indicates that tributary inputs have the potential to dilute these effects, knowledge at the food web level is still scarce.2.Here we examined the riverine food web structure of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, focusing on organic matter sources, trophic diversity, and food chain lengt
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Does bioelectrical impedance analysis accurately estimate the condition of threatened and endangered desert fish species?

    Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a nonlethal tool with which to estimate the physiological condition of animals that has potential value in research on endangered species. However, the effectiveness of BIA varies by species, the methodology continues to be refined, and incidental mortality rates are unknown. Under laboratory conditions we tested the value of using BIA in addition to morph
    By
    Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Flow management for hydropower extirpates aquatic insects, undermining river food webs

    Dams impound the majority of rivers and provide important societal benefits, especially daily water releases that enable on-peak hydroelectricity generation. Such “hydropeaking” is common worldwide, but its downstream impacts remain unclear. We evaluated the response of aquatic insects, a cornerstone of river food webs, to hydropeaking using a life history–hydrodynamic model. Our model predicts th
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Flow management and fish density regulate salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North America

    Rainbow and brown trout have been intentionally introduced into tailwaters downriver of dams globally and provide billions of dollars in economic benefits. At the same time, recruitment and maximum length of trout populations in tailwaters often fluctuate erratically, which negatively affects the value of fisheries. Large recruitment events may increase dispersal downriver where other fish species
    By
    Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Evaluation of potential anesthetics for the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata

    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2016. Detection of decreased quantities of actively spawning female Fundulus heteroclitus in tidally restricted marshes relative to restored and reference sites. Biological Invasions 18: 2679-2687.
    Dibble, K.L., M. Tyrrell, and P.S. Pooler. 2015. Factors that drive restoration of nekton communities in impaired salt marshes of Northeastern North America. Estuaries and Coasts 38(4): 1304-1316.
    Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2014. The effects of plant invasion and ecosystem restoration on energy flow through salt marsh food webs. Estuaries and Coasts 37(2): 339-353.
    Dibble, K.L., P. Pooler, and L.A. Meyerson. 2013. Impacts of plant invasions can be reversed through restoration: a regional meta-analysis of faunal communities. Biological Invasions 15(8): 1725-1737.
    Dibble, K.L. and L.A. Meyerson. 2012. Tidal flushing restores the physiological condition of fish residing in degraded salt marshes. PLoS ONE 7(9): e46161. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046161.
    Chambers, R.M., L.A. Meyerson, and K.L. Dibble. 2012. Ecology of Phragmites australis and responses to tidal restoration. In C. Roman and D. Burdick (Eds.), Tidal Marsh Restoration: A Synthesis of Science and Management. Island Press, Washington, DC.
    Anthony, A., J. Atwood, P. August, C. Byron, S. Cobb, C. Foster, C. Fry, A. Gold, K. Hagos, L. Heffner, D. Q. Kellogg, K. Lellis-Dibble, J. J. Opaluch, C. Oviatt, A. Pfeiffer-Herbert, N. Rohr, L. Smith, T. Smythe, J. Swift, and N. Vinhateiro. 2009. Coastal lagoons and climate change: ecological and social ramifications in U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast ecosystems. Ecology and Society 14(1): 8.
    Lellis-Dibble, K.A., K.M. McGlynn, and T.E. Bigford. 2008. Estuarine fish and shellfish species in U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries: economic value as an incentive to protect and restore estuarine habitat. NOAA Technical Memorandum, NMFS-F/SPO-90.
    Johnson, M.R., C. Boelke, L.A. Chiarella, P.D. Colosi, K. Greene, K. Lellis-Dibble, H. Ludemann, M. Ludwig, S. McDermott, J. Ortiz, D. Rusanowsky, M. Scott, and J. Smith. 2008. Impacts to marine fisheries habitat from nonfishing activities in the northeastern United States. NOAA Technical Memorandum, NMFS-NE-209. 339 pp.
    Lellis, K.A. 2005. Living Shorelines: a technique used to protect, enhance, restore, and create natural habitat for aquatic species. The Coastal Society Bulletin 27(3): 1, 6-7.
  • Science
    link
    Rainbow trout downstream of Glen Canyon Dam in the Colorado River

    Is timing really everything? Evaluating Resource Response to Spring Disturbance Flows

    Glen Canyon Dam has altered ecological processes of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Before the dam was built, the Colorado River experienced seasonable variable flow rates, including springtime flooding events. These spring floods scoured the river bottom and enhanced natural processes that sustained the Colorado River ecosystem. Since the dam’s construction in 1963, springtime floods have...
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center
    link

    Is timing really everything? Evaluating Resource Response to Spring Disturbance Flows

    Glen Canyon Dam has altered ecological processes of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Before the dam was built, the Colorado River experienced seasonable variable flow rates, including springtime flooding events. These spring floods scoured the river bottom and enhanced natural processes that sustained the Colorado River ecosystem. Since the dam’s construction in 1963, springtime floods have...
    Learn More
    link
    Two USGS researchers on a small boat in the Colorado River sampling aquatic insects with a net.

    Understanding Factors Influencing Rainbow Trout Growth in the Colorado River

    Rainbow trout is a desirable sport fish that has been introduced in many locations around the world. Although introductions of rainbow trout and other nonnative fishes provide recreational fishing opportunities, they also pose threats to native fish populations. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program has tasked scientists and managers with identifying management options that allow rainbow...
    By
    Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
    link

    Understanding Factors Influencing Rainbow Trout Growth in the Colorado River

    Rainbow trout is a desirable sport fish that has been introduced in many locations around the world. Although introductions of rainbow trout and other nonnative fishes provide recreational fishing opportunities, they also pose threats to native fish populations. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program has tasked scientists and managers with identifying management options that allow rainbow...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Water temperature models, data and code for the Colorado, Green, San Juan, Yampa, and White rivers in the Colorado River basin

    These data were compiled for a manuscript in which 1) we develop a water temperature model for the major river segments and tributaries of the Colorado River basin, including the Colorado, Green, Yampa, White, and San Juan rivers; 2) we link modeled water temperature to fish population data to predict the probability native and nonnative species will be common in the future in a warming climate; a
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center

    The influence of water temperature on salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North America--Data

    These data were used to examine drivers behind changes in water temperature downriver of dams across the western U.S. from 1995-2015 and the influence of such changes on rainbow trout recruitment and rainbow and brown trout adult length. First, we linked reservoir storage capacity and dam size to the warmest monthly water temperature per water year (WY) to assess the influence of low storage capac
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center

    Food Web Data, Colorado River Corridor, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 2006

    These data were compiled for a manuscript that examines the riverine food-web structure of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon dam to its confluence with Lake Mead. Tissue from primary producers (vascular plants and algae) and consumers (aquatic invertebrates and fish) were collected before and after monsoon floods in 2006 along the 388 kilometer segment of the Colorado River in the Southwest US.
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center

    Bioelectrical impedance analysis for an endangered desert fish—Data

    These data were used to examine the effectiveness of a non-lethal tool (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, "BIA") to estimate the physiological condition of endangered and threatened fishes in the Colorado River Basin. We conducted laboratory trials using hatchery-raised Humpback Chub and Bonytail and wild-captured Roundtail Chub, where fish were subjected to different feeding trials to elucidate a
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center

    Flow management and fish density regulate salmonid recruitment and adult size in tailwaters across western North AmericaData

    This data is a compilation of fishery monitoring data collected by state agencies over several decades in tailwaters downriver of dams in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Specifically, the data contained herein is summary data used in four generalized linear mixed models that were developed to assess the biological and hydrologic factors that in
    By
    Southwest Biological Science Center
  • Web Tools

    Colorado River Basin Projects

    The Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology Team has created an interactive map of USGS projects to highlight the integrated science currently conducted within the Colorado River Basin. These projects are not all inclusive of the work conducted by the USGS within the CRB, but highlight the broad range of integrated science currently conducted.