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Mary Brown

Mary Brown is a Fish Biologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center. 

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 20
two people in life vests stand in a boat - one holds a fish while the other holds a dipnet

Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in east Florida in mid May 2026 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes in northern Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard counties.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in east Florida in mid May 2026 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes in northern Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard counties.
Learn More
Lionfish are spreading through the Western North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf

Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

WARC scientists work with local partners to verify and document sightings of non-native marine fishes.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

WARC scientists work with local partners to verify and document sightings of non-native marine fishes.
Learn More
A hand holds a reddish fish with blue-green dots

Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in southern Florida in early December 2024 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in southern Florida in early December 2024 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes.
Learn More
UMMZ students electrofishing

Fish Slam December 2023

Fifty-four biologists from nine organizations, including USGS, participated in a two-day Fish Slam event on December 13 - 14, 2023 in Southwest Florida.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam December 2023

Fish Slam December 2023

Fifty-four biologists from nine organizations, including USGS, participated in a two-day Fish Slam event on December 13 - 14, 2023 in Southwest Florida.
Learn More
Male Midas cichlid

Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam events link research institutions such as museums and universities with federal, state, and local government agencies that possess expertise and field equipment to collect nonnative fishes, providing unique access to specimens for these institutions.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam events link research institutions such as museums and universities with federal, state, and local government agencies that possess expertise and field equipment to collect nonnative fishes, providing unique access to specimens for these institutions.
Learn More
Midas cichlids captured during the November 2019 Fish Slam

Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fifty-seven fish biologists from 12 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fifty-seven fish biologists from 12 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid

Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Forty-two fish biologists from seven organizations participated in a two-day Spring Fish Slam event in southwest Florida. Fourteen species of non-native fishes were collected or observed.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Forty-two fish biologists from seven organizations participated in a two-day Spring Fish Slam event in southwest Florida. Fourteen species of non-native fishes were collected or observed.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid, Mayaheros urophthalmus

Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

In March 2021, USGS researchers and partners conducted the first-ever Virtual Fish Slam. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native freshwater fishes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

In March 2021, USGS researchers and partners conducted the first-ever Virtual Fish Slam. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native freshwater fishes.
Learn More
Barton, Fair, Markovich, and Gestring

Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fifty fish biologists from 15 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida on November 5-7, 2019.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fifty fish biologists from 15 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida on November 5-7, 2019.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid

Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

In March and June 2019, USGS researchers joined partners in Treasure Coast and Central Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

In March and June 2019, USGS researchers joined partners in Treasure Coast and Central Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
Learn More
Color varieties of Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus

Fish Slam November 2018

In November 2018, USGS researchers joined partners in South Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam November 2018

Fish Slam November 2018

In November 2018, USGS researchers joined partners in South Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
Learn More
Banded cichlid Heros severus from Snapper Creek Canal

Fish Slam - November 2017

The Hunt For The Southernmost Snakehead. Thirty-one fishery biologists from eleven agencies participated in a two-day Fish Slam event. Thirty-five sites in Broward and Miami-Dade counties were sampled for non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam - November 2017

Fish Slam - November 2017

The Hunt For The Southernmost Snakehead. Thirty-one fishery biologists from eleven agencies participated in a two-day Fish Slam event. Thirty-five sites in Broward and Miami-Dade counties were sampled for non-native fishes.
Learn More

Fish, amphibian, and conductance data from Panacea Unit, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL, 2009-2016 Fish, amphibian, and conductance data from Panacea Unit, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL, 2009-2016

These data are meant to support a publication "Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities" in the Journal of Animal Ecology. This dataset contains both amphibian and fish observations based on our use of plastic minnow traps. Additionally we present (specific) conductance values observed during our trapping periods.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida

Cichlasoma dimerus was only recently discovered in Florida and little is known of its dispersal abilities and potential impacts. Many factors likely contribute to the variability in establishment and spread of non-native fishes in Florida, including biotic (e.g., predation and competition) and abiotic variables (e.g., cold tolerance, low-oxygen tolerance). Of the abiotic variables, cold...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA

The Black Acara, Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Linnaeus 1758), first reported as introduced to Florida in 1965, is distributed throughout Florida's southern peninsula. Examination of live and preserved museum specimens of acara reveal a second species, the Chanchita, Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel 1840) present in Florida since at least July 2000. A review of the relevant literature coupled with...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018 Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018

Bullseye snakehead, Channa marulius, was first detected in 2000 in the southern Florida town of Tamarac and has been expanding its geographic range. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a newly-developed technique used to non-invasively detect cryptic or low-density species, or those that are logistically difficult to study. Genetic material shed into the environment through tissue and...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Faunal and vegetation monitoring in response to harbor dredging in Port of Miami Faunal and vegetation monitoring in response to harbor dredging in Port of Miami

Seagrasses are highly productive ecosystems. A before-after-control-impact (BACI) design was used to examine effects of dredging on seagrasses and the animals that inhabit them. The control site North Biscayne Bay (NBB) and impacted site Port of Miami (POM) had seagrass densities decreased during the before, Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network (FIAN) 2006-2011 and after, Faunal...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.
USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026
USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

Dan Slone (USGS) and Chelsea Bohaty (USACE) electrofishing during May 2026 Fish Slam (Credit: Arthur Bernhardt, FWC).

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

Dan Slone (USGS) and Chelsea Bohaty (USACE) electrofishing during May 2026 Fish Slam (Credit: Arthur Bernhardt, FWC).

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck
Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot
Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

USGS participants at the May 2026 Fish Slam from left to right: Mary Brown, Dan Slone, Wes Daniel, Howard Jelks (Retired USGS), and Matt Neilson.

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

USGS participants at the May 2026 Fish Slam from left to right: Mary Brown, Dan Slone, Wes Daniel, Howard Jelks (Retired USGS), and Matt Neilson.

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky
Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid
Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Ryan Weeks (FWC) with a Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) (Credit: Kelly Gestring, FWC).

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Ryan Weeks (FWC) with a Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) (Credit: Kelly Gestring, FWC).

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Walking catfish
Walking catfish
Walking catfish
Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Cayla Morningstar (USGS) and Howard Jelks (USGS) show off a walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the March 2022 Fish Slam. Photo credit USGS

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Cayla Morningstar (USGS) and Howard Jelks (USGS) show off a walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the March 2022 Fish Slam. Photo credit USGS

By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Filter Total Items: 25

Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis

While concepts regarding invasive species establishment patterns and eradication possibilities have long been a topic of invasion biology, the specific terminology referring to early detection of and rapid response to (EDRR) invasive species emerged in scientific literature during the early 2000s. Since then, the EDRR approach has expanded to include a suite of detection, planning, and...
Authors
Amy Kristine Wray, Aimee Christine Agnew, Mary Brown, Emily Marie Dean, Nicole D Hernandez, Audrey Jordon, Cayla Rae Morningstar, Sara Elizabeth Piccolomini, Harrison Alexander Pickett, Wesley M. Daniel, Brian E. Reichert
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities

One of the primary ways in which climate change will impact coastal freshwater wetlands is through changes in the frequency, intensity, timing and distribution of extreme weather events. Disentangling the direct and indirect mechanisms of population- and community-level responses to extreme events is vital to predicting how species composition of coastal wetlands will change under future
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, Susan E. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Mary Brown, David A.W. Miller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida

The risk of a newly discovered non-native fish species in Florida (USA): Cichlasoma dimerus ([Heckel, 1840]; Family: Cichlidae) is assessed. Its tolerance to cold temperatures was experimentally evaluated and information on its biology and ecology was synthesized. In the cold-temperature tolerance experiment, temperature was lowered from 24 °C by increments of 1 °C per hour, mimicking a...
Authors
Mary Brown, Robert H. Robins, Pam Schofield
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA

The Black Acara, Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Linnaeus, 1758), was first reported as introduced to Florida in 1965. Native to Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, western French Guiana, and northern Brazil, the species is now distributed throughout Florida’s southern peninsula. Examination of live and preserved acara from Central Florida, heretofore identified as Black Acara, reveal the presence of...
Authors
Robert H Robins, Mary E. Brown, Ryan A Crutchfield
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of nonnative bullseye snakehead in southern Florida Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of nonnative bullseye snakehead in southern Florida

Bullseye Snakehead Channa marulius (Hamilton 1822) was first detected in the southern Florida town of Tamarac in 2000 and has been expanding its geographic range since. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a newly-developed technique used to noninvasively detect cryptic or low-density species or those that are logistically difficult-to-study. Genetic material shed into the environment...
Authors
Margaret Hunter, Pam Schofield, Gaia Meigs-Friend, Mary Brown, Jason Ferrante
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Species interactions and the effects of climate variability on a wetland amphibian metacommunity Species interactions and the effects of climate variability on a wetland amphibian metacommunity

Disentangling the role that multiple interacting factors have on species responses to shifting climate poses a significant challenge. However, our ability to do so is of utmost importance to predict the effects of climate change on species distributions. We examined how populations of three species of wetland-breeding amphibians, which varied in life history requirements, responded to a...
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, David A.W. Miller, Susan C. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Jeffrey W. Riley, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Life history plasticity does not confer resilience to environmental change in the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) Life history plasticity does not confer resilience to environmental change in the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum)

Plasticity in life history strategies can be advantageous for species that occupy spatially or temporally variable environments. We examined how phenotypic plasticity influences responses of the mole salamander, Ambystoma talpoideum, to disturbance events at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (SMNWR), FL, USA from 2009 to 2014. We observed periods of extensive drought early in the...
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, David A.W. Miller, Susan C. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Jeffrey W. Riley, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Invasive species: Ocean ecosystem case studies for earth systems and environmental sciences Invasive species: Ocean ecosystem case studies for earth systems and environmental sciences

Marine species are increasingly transferred from areas where they are native to areas where they are not. Some nonnative species become invasive, causing undesirable impacts to environment, economy and/or human health. Nonnative marine species can be introduced through a variety of vectors, including shipping, trade, inland corridors (such as canals), and others. Effects of invasive...
Authors
Pamela J. Schofield, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Fluctuating survival selection explains variation in avian group size Fluctuating survival selection explains variation in avian group size

Most animal groups vary extensively in size. Because individuals in certain sizes of groups often have higher apparent fitness than those in other groups, why wide group size variation persists in most populations remains unexplained. We used a 30-y mark–recapture study of colonially breeding cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) to show that the survival advantages of different...
Authors
Charles B. Brown, Mary Bomberger Brown, Erin A. Roche, Valerie A O'brien, Catherine E. Page
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Parent–offspring resemblance in colony-specific adult survival of cliff swallows Parent–offspring resemblance in colony-specific adult survival of cliff swallows

Survival is a key component of fitness. Species that occupy discrete breeding colonies with different characteristics are often exposed to varying costs and benefits associated with group size or environmental conditions, and survival is an integrative net measure of these effects. We investigated the extent to which survival probability of adult (≥1-year old) cliff swallows...
Authors
Charles R. Brown, Erin A. Roche, Mary Bomberger Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Distance to human populations influences epidemiology of respiratory disease in desert tortoises Distance to human populations influences epidemiology of respiratory disease in desert tortoises

We explored variables likely to affect health of Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in a 1,183-km2 study area in the central Mojave Desert of California between 2005 and 2008. We evaluated 1,004 tortoises for prevalence and spatial distribution of 2 pathogens, Mycoplasma agassizii and M. testudineum, that cause upper respiratory tract disease. We defined tortoises as test...
Authors
Kristin H. Berry, no longer USGS Ashley A. Coble, Julie L. Yee, Jeremy S. Mack, William M. Perry, Kemp M. Anderson, Mary B. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

The effect of weather on morphometric traits of juvenile cliff swallows The effect of weather on morphometric traits of juvenile cliff swallows

Episodes of food deprivation may change how nestling birds allocate energy to the growth of skeletal and feather morphological traits during development. Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) are colonial, insectivorous birds that regularly experience brief periods of severe weather-induced food deprivation during the nesting season which may affect offspring development. We...
Authors
Erin A. Roche, Mary Bomberger Brown, Charles R. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 20
two people in life vests stand in a boat - one holds a fish while the other holds a dipnet

Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in east Florida in mid May 2026 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes in northern Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard counties.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

Fish Slam: May 20 – 21, 2026

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in east Florida in mid May 2026 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes in northern Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard counties.
Learn More
Lionfish are spreading through the Western North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf

Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

WARC scientists work with local partners to verify and document sightings of non-native marine fishes.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

WARC scientists work with local partners to verify and document sightings of non-native marine fishes.
Learn More
A hand holds a reddish fish with blue-green dots

Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in southern Florida in early December 2024 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024

USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in southern Florida in early December 2024 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes.
Learn More
UMMZ students electrofishing

Fish Slam December 2023

Fifty-four biologists from nine organizations, including USGS, participated in a two-day Fish Slam event on December 13 - 14, 2023 in Southwest Florida.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam December 2023

Fish Slam December 2023

Fifty-four biologists from nine organizations, including USGS, participated in a two-day Fish Slam event on December 13 - 14, 2023 in Southwest Florida.
Learn More
Male Midas cichlid

Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam events link research institutions such as museums and universities with federal, state, and local government agencies that possess expertise and field equipment to collect nonnative fishes, providing unique access to specimens for these institutions.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam May 2023

Fish Slam events link research institutions such as museums and universities with federal, state, and local government agencies that possess expertise and field equipment to collect nonnative fishes, providing unique access to specimens for these institutions.
Learn More
Midas cichlids captured during the November 2019 Fish Slam

Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fifty-seven fish biologists from 12 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fish Chat and Slam December 2022

Fifty-seven fish biologists from 12 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid

Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Forty-two fish biologists from seven organizations participated in a two-day Spring Fish Slam event in southwest Florida. Fourteen species of non-native fishes were collected or observed.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Southwest Florida Fish Slam – Spring 2022

Forty-two fish biologists from seven organizations participated in a two-day Spring Fish Slam event in southwest Florida. Fourteen species of non-native fishes were collected or observed.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid, Mayaheros urophthalmus

Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

In March 2021, USGS researchers and partners conducted the first-ever Virtual Fish Slam. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native freshwater fishes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

Virtual Fish Slam - March 2021

In March 2021, USGS researchers and partners conducted the first-ever Virtual Fish Slam. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native freshwater fishes.
Learn More
Barton, Fair, Markovich, and Gestring

Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fifty fish biologists from 15 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida on November 5-7, 2019.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fish Chat and Slam November 2019

Fifty fish biologists from 15 organizations participated in a three-day Fish Chat and Slam event in South Florida on November 5-7, 2019.
Learn More
Mayan cichlid

Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

In March and June 2019, USGS researchers joined partners in Treasure Coast and Central Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

Treasure Coast and Central Florida Fish Slams - 2019

In March and June 2019, USGS researchers joined partners in Treasure Coast and Central Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
Learn More
Color varieties of Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus

Fish Slam November 2018

In November 2018, USGS researchers joined partners in South Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam November 2018

Fish Slam November 2018

In November 2018, USGS researchers joined partners in South Florida where they sampled freshwater bodies for non-native fishes. The bi-annual Fish Slam event helps monitor new introductions and document range expansion of known non-native fishes.
Learn More
Banded cichlid Heros severus from Snapper Creek Canal

Fish Slam - November 2017

The Hunt For The Southernmost Snakehead. Thirty-one fishery biologists from eleven agencies participated in a two-day Fish Slam event. Thirty-five sites in Broward and Miami-Dade counties were sampled for non-native fishes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Fish Slam - November 2017

Fish Slam - November 2017

The Hunt For The Southernmost Snakehead. Thirty-one fishery biologists from eleven agencies participated in a two-day Fish Slam event. Thirty-five sites in Broward and Miami-Dade counties were sampled for non-native fishes.
Learn More

Fish, amphibian, and conductance data from Panacea Unit, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL, 2009-2016 Fish, amphibian, and conductance data from Panacea Unit, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL, 2009-2016

These data are meant to support a publication "Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities" in the Journal of Animal Ecology. This dataset contains both amphibian and fish observations based on our use of plastic minnow traps. Additionally we present (specific) conductance values observed during our trapping periods.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida

Cichlasoma dimerus was only recently discovered in Florida and little is known of its dispersal abilities and potential impacts. Many factors likely contribute to the variability in establishment and spread of non-native fishes in Florida, including biotic (e.g., predation and competition) and abiotic variables (e.g., cold tolerance, low-oxygen tolerance). Of the abiotic variables, cold...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA

The Black Acara, Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Linnaeus 1758), first reported as introduced to Florida in 1965, is distributed throughout Florida's southern peninsula. Examination of live and preserved museum specimens of acara reveal a second species, the Chanchita, Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel 1840) present in Florida since at least July 2000. A review of the relevant literature coupled with...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018 Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018

Bullseye snakehead, Channa marulius, was first detected in 2000 in the southern Florida town of Tamarac and has been expanding its geographic range. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a newly-developed technique used to non-invasively detect cryptic or low-density species, or those that are logistically difficult to study. Genetic material shed into the environment through tissue and...
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Faunal and vegetation monitoring in response to harbor dredging in Port of Miami Faunal and vegetation monitoring in response to harbor dredging in Port of Miami

Seagrasses are highly productive ecosystems. A before-after-control-impact (BACI) design was used to examine effects of dredging on seagrasses and the animals that inhabit them. The control site North Biscayne Bay (NBB) and impacted site Port of Miami (POM) had seagrass densities decreased during the before, Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network (FIAN) 2006-2011 and after, Faunal...
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.
USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026
USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

Dan Slone (USGS) and Chelsea Bohaty (USACE) electrofishing during May 2026 Fish Slam (Credit: Arthur Bernhardt, FWC).

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Two people in life jackets stand on a bow platform of a boat while electrofishing.

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

USGS and USACE electrofishing during Fish Slam May 2026

Dan Slone (USGS) and Chelsea Bohaty (USACE) electrofishing during May 2026 Fish Slam (Credit: Arthur Bernhardt, FWC).

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck
Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot
Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

USGS participants at the May 2026 Fish Slam from left to right: Mary Brown, Dan Slone, Wes Daniel, Howard Jelks (Retired USGS), and Matt Neilson.

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
five people stand for a group shot in front of a truck

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

Fish Slam May 2026 USGS group shot

USGS participants at the May 2026 Fish Slam from left to right: Mary Brown, Dan Slone, Wes Daniel, Howard Jelks (Retired USGS), and Matt Neilson.

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky
Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid
Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Ryan Weeks (FWC) with a Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) (Credit: Kelly Gestring, FWC).

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
a man is shown holding a fish in front of a small body of water and a blue sky

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Fish Slam May 2026 Ryan Weeks with Rio Grande Cichlid

Ryan Weeks (FWC) with a Rio Grande Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) (Credit: Kelly Gestring, FWC).

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Walking catfish
Walking catfish
Walking catfish
Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Cayla Morningstar (USGS) and Howard Jelks (USGS) show off a walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the March 2022 Fish Slam. Photo credit USGS

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Walking catfish

Cayla Morningstar (USGS) and Howard Jelks (USGS) show off a walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the March 2022 Fish Slam. Photo credit USGS

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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis Understanding gaps in early detection of and rapid response to invasive species in the United States: A literature review and bibliometric analysis

While concepts regarding invasive species establishment patterns and eradication possibilities have long been a topic of invasion biology, the specific terminology referring to early detection of and rapid response to (EDRR) invasive species emerged in scientific literature during the early 2000s. Since then, the EDRR approach has expanded to include a suite of detection, planning, and...
Authors
Amy Kristine Wray, Aimee Christine Agnew, Mary Brown, Emily Marie Dean, Nicole D Hernandez, Audrey Jordon, Cayla Rae Morningstar, Sara Elizabeth Piccolomini, Harrison Alexander Pickett, Wesley M. Daniel, Brian E. Reichert
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities Disentangling direct and indirect effects of extreme events on coastal wetland communities

One of the primary ways in which climate change will impact coastal freshwater wetlands is through changes in the frequency, intensity, timing and distribution of extreme weather events. Disentangling the direct and indirect mechanisms of population- and community-level responses to extreme events is vital to predicting how species composition of coastal wetlands will change under future
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, Susan E. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Mary Brown, David A.W. Miller
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida Risk assessment of chanchita Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840), a newly identified non-native cichlid fish in Florida

The risk of a newly discovered non-native fish species in Florida (USA): Cichlasoma dimerus ([Heckel, 1840]; Family: Cichlidae) is assessed. Its tolerance to cold temperatures was experimentally evaluated and information on its biology and ecology was synthesized. In the cold-temperature tolerance experiment, temperature was lowered from 24 °C by increments of 1 °C per hour, mimicking a...
Authors
Mary Brown, Robert H. Robins, Pam Schofield
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA Identification of Acara (Cichlidae: Cichlasoma) established in Florida, USA

The Black Acara, Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Linnaeus, 1758), was first reported as introduced to Florida in 1965. Native to Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, western French Guiana, and northern Brazil, the species is now distributed throughout Florida’s southern peninsula. Examination of live and preserved acara from Central Florida, heretofore identified as Black Acara, reveal the presence of...
Authors
Robert H Robins, Mary E. Brown, Ryan A Crutchfield
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of nonnative bullseye snakehead in southern Florida Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of nonnative bullseye snakehead in southern Florida

Bullseye Snakehead Channa marulius (Hamilton 1822) was first detected in the southern Florida town of Tamarac in 2000 and has been expanding its geographic range since. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a newly-developed technique used to noninvasively detect cryptic or low-density species or those that are logistically difficult-to-study. Genetic material shed into the environment...
Authors
Margaret Hunter, Pam Schofield, Gaia Meigs-Friend, Mary Brown, Jason Ferrante
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Species interactions and the effects of climate variability on a wetland amphibian metacommunity Species interactions and the effects of climate variability on a wetland amphibian metacommunity

Disentangling the role that multiple interacting factors have on species responses to shifting climate poses a significant challenge. However, our ability to do so is of utmost importance to predict the effects of climate change on species distributions. We examined how populations of three species of wetland-breeding amphibians, which varied in life history requirements, responded to a...
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, David A.W. Miller, Susan C. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Jeffrey W. Riley, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Life history plasticity does not confer resilience to environmental change in the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) Life history plasticity does not confer resilience to environmental change in the mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum)

Plasticity in life history strategies can be advantageous for species that occupy spatially or temporally variable environments. We examined how phenotypic plasticity influences responses of the mole salamander, Ambystoma talpoideum, to disturbance events at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (SMNWR), FL, USA from 2009 to 2014. We observed periods of extensive drought early in the...
Authors
Courtney L. Davis, David A.W. Miller, Susan C. Walls, William J. Barichivich, Jeffrey W. Riley, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Invasive species: Ocean ecosystem case studies for earth systems and environmental sciences Invasive species: Ocean ecosystem case studies for earth systems and environmental sciences

Marine species are increasingly transferred from areas where they are native to areas where they are not. Some nonnative species become invasive, causing undesirable impacts to environment, economy and/or human health. Nonnative marine species can be introduced through a variety of vectors, including shipping, trade, inland corridors (such as canals), and others. Effects of invasive...
Authors
Pamela J. Schofield, Mary E. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Fluctuating survival selection explains variation in avian group size Fluctuating survival selection explains variation in avian group size

Most animal groups vary extensively in size. Because individuals in certain sizes of groups often have higher apparent fitness than those in other groups, why wide group size variation persists in most populations remains unexplained. We used a 30-y mark–recapture study of colonially breeding cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) to show that the survival advantages of different...
Authors
Charles B. Brown, Mary Bomberger Brown, Erin A. Roche, Valerie A O'brien, Catherine E. Page
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Parent–offspring resemblance in colony-specific adult survival of cliff swallows Parent–offspring resemblance in colony-specific adult survival of cliff swallows

Survival is a key component of fitness. Species that occupy discrete breeding colonies with different characteristics are often exposed to varying costs and benefits associated with group size or environmental conditions, and survival is an integrative net measure of these effects. We investigated the extent to which survival probability of adult (≥1-year old) cliff swallows...
Authors
Charles R. Brown, Erin A. Roche, Mary Bomberger Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Distance to human populations influences epidemiology of respiratory disease in desert tortoises Distance to human populations influences epidemiology of respiratory disease in desert tortoises

We explored variables likely to affect health of Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in a 1,183-km2 study area in the central Mojave Desert of California between 2005 and 2008. We evaluated 1,004 tortoises for prevalence and spatial distribution of 2 pathogens, Mycoplasma agassizii and M. testudineum, that cause upper respiratory tract disease. We defined tortoises as test...
Authors
Kristin H. Berry, no longer USGS Ashley A. Coble, Julie L. Yee, Jeremy S. Mack, William M. Perry, Kemp M. Anderson, Mary B. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

The effect of weather on morphometric traits of juvenile cliff swallows The effect of weather on morphometric traits of juvenile cliff swallows

Episodes of food deprivation may change how nestling birds allocate energy to the growth of skeletal and feather morphological traits during development. Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) are colonial, insectivorous birds that regularly experience brief periods of severe weather-induced food deprivation during the nesting season which may affect offspring development. We...
Authors
Erin A. Roche, Mary Bomberger Brown, Charles R. Brown
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
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