Mainstem of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Michael P Carey, Ph.D.
Community ecology of fish, Food web dynamics, Disturbance ecology, Invasive species, Metal toxicity
My research program seeks to better understand the role of ecological processes in shaping fish distribution and population characteristics, habitat requirements of fish, and evolutionary adaptations of aquatic organisms in response to environmental gradients. Specifically, I focus on three drivers of fish communities and populations: (1) aquatic thermal regimes, (2) Arctic landscapes dynamics, and (3) invasive species.
Currently, we lack a robust understanding of how these processes influence fish communities in high-latitude ecosystems for which information is critical to inform management and policy decisions due to a rapidly changing landscape from natural and human pressures. To understand processes that influence fish communities in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems, my research program combines field monitoring, large-scale comparative studies, simulation modeling, and experiments at multiple spatial and temporal scales and results of these studies are used to guide conservation, protection, and management of fish and fish habitats throughout the North Pacific Rim and Alaska.
Science and Products
Assessing heat stress in migrating Yukon River Chinook Salmon
We will examine evidence of heat stress in Yukon River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) using heat shock proteins and gene expression.
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Tracing Mercury Through Lake Food Webs
Mercury concentrations in fish likely reflect different energy sources in lake food webs. Species, populations, or individuals may contain higher and variable concentrations of mercury, which may relate directly to prey mercury content, diets of fish, and fish foraging strategies.
Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Impacts to Ecosystems and Fisheries in Northwest Alaska from “Rusting Rivers”
Project Overview In Northwest Alaska, “rusting rivers” are becoming increasingly apparent as climate change causes ancient spring seeps to re-emerge after permafrost melts. While they have become more common over the past few years, very little is understood about their impacts on stream food webs. Researchers supported by this Alaska CASC project will bridge the knowledge gap by...
Q&A: Arctic Rivers Project
Alaska is home to numerous cultural and linguistic Indigenous groups and the largest number of Federally Recognized Tribes in the United States. Indigenous Alaskans, often living in rural remote communities, are facing multiple impacts due to climate change. As infrastructure, landscapes, and subsistence resources continue to be impacted by warming temperatures, the safety, well-being, and...
Beavers Impacting Tundra Ecosystems (BITE)
The range expansion of the North American beaver ( Castor canadensis) has implications for water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and fisheries in Arctic streams.
Winter Habitat of Juvenile Dolly Varden in the Canning River
In the Arctic, rivers often freeze all the way to the bottom each winter leaving fish with limited habitat where they can survive.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Ecology
Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.
Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions
The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
Sockeye Salmon Migrating at the Northern Edge of Their Distribution
The physiological challenge for anadromous fish to migrate upriver to spawn and complete their life cycle is influenced by river temperature.
Filter Total Items: 49
Kugururok River confluence Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Mainstem of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Kugururok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Tributary of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska with orange water. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska with orange water. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River, Alaska
Tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Mainstem of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Mainstem of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Mainstem of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Tributary of Salmon River located in the Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River located in the Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Map of orange stream observations across ARCN parks in northern Alaska
Map of orange stream observations across Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network (ARCN) parks in northern Alaska.
Map of orange stream observations across Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network (ARCN) parks in northern Alaska.
Tributary of Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Tributary of Agashashok River located in the Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Agashashok River located in the Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist (AD)
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence of Wrench Creek and Kelly River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence of Wrench Creek and Kelly River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Arctic grayling and Dolly varden from impounded water of beaver dam
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and Dolly varden (Salvelinus malma) from impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and Dolly varden (Salvelinus malma) from impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Preserve
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument.
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument.
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Science and Products
Assessing heat stress in migrating Yukon River Chinook Salmon
We will examine evidence of heat stress in Yukon River Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) using heat shock proteins and gene expression.
The Rusting of Arctic Rivers: Freshwater Ecosystems Respond to Rapidly Uptaking Metals
The water quality of streams and rivers in the Arctic is sensitive to rapid climate change and altered disturbance regimes.
Tracing Mercury Through Lake Food Webs
Mercury concentrations in fish likely reflect different energy sources in lake food webs. Species, populations, or individuals may contain higher and variable concentrations of mercury, which may relate directly to prey mercury content, diets of fish, and fish foraging strategies.
Fish and Aquatic Ecology
Fish and aquatic habitats in Alaska support important commercial, sport, and subsistence fisheries and provide forage fish that support wildlife populations. The USGS Alaska Science Center conducts interdisciplinary research to inform local, state, federal, and international policy makers regarding conservation of fish, aquatic species, and their habitats. We work collaboratively with hydrologists...
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Hydrology
The Arctic is warming at higher rates than much of the rest of the world. For Alaska, this results in changes in hydrology and ecosystems – permafrost is thawing, changing landscapes and releasing nutrients to soils and streams.
Impacts to Ecosystems and Fisheries in Northwest Alaska from “Rusting Rivers”
Project Overview In Northwest Alaska, “rusting rivers” are becoming increasingly apparent as climate change causes ancient spring seeps to re-emerge after permafrost melts. While they have become more common over the past few years, very little is understood about their impacts on stream food webs. Researchers supported by this Alaska CASC project will bridge the knowledge gap by...
Q&A: Arctic Rivers Project
Alaska is home to numerous cultural and linguistic Indigenous groups and the largest number of Federally Recognized Tribes in the United States. Indigenous Alaskans, often living in rural remote communities, are facing multiple impacts due to climate change. As infrastructure, landscapes, and subsistence resources continue to be impacted by warming temperatures, the safety, well-being, and...
Beavers Impacting Tundra Ecosystems (BITE)
The range expansion of the North American beaver ( Castor canadensis) has implications for water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and fisheries in Arctic streams.
Winter Habitat of Juvenile Dolly Varden in the Canning River
In the Arctic, rivers often freeze all the way to the bottom each winter leaving fish with limited habitat where they can survive.
Hydro-Ecology of Arctic Thawing (HEAT): Ecology
Permafrost thaw is leading to a myriad of changes in physical and chemical conditions throughout the Arctic.
Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions
The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
Sockeye Salmon Migrating at the Northern Edge of Their Distribution
The physiological challenge for anadromous fish to migrate upriver to spawn and complete their life cycle is influenced by river temperature.
Filter Total Items: 49
Kugururok River confluence Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Mainstem of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Mainstem of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Kugururok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Tributary of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska with orange water. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Kugururok River located in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska with orange water. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River, Alaska
Tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Deposition on tributary of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Mainstem of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Mainstem of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Mainstem of Salmon River located in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River, Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Tributary of Salmon River located in the Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Salmon River located in the Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Iron seep on the North fork of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Map of orange stream observations across ARCN parks in northern Alaska
Map of orange stream observations across Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network (ARCN) parks in northern Alaska.
Map of orange stream observations across Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network (ARCN) parks in northern Alaska.
Tributary of Agashashok River, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Tributary of Agashashok River located in the Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Tributary of Agashashok River located in the Noatak National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Recent observations from Arctic Alaska indicate that waters draining permafrost landscapes may be susceptible to iron and carbon mobilization following thaw.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist (AD)
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Mike Carey, Research Fish Ecologist
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Fish Ecologist Mike Carey studies the impacts beavers have on warming Alaskan permafrost landscapes.
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence of Wrench Creek and Kelly River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam complex and lodge at the confluence of Wrench Creek and Kelly River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam and lodge on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve
Arctic grayling and Dolly varden from impounded water of beaver dam
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and Dolly varden (Salvelinus malma) from impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and Dolly varden (Salvelinus malma) from impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Measuring temperature and dissolved oxygen in impounded water of beaver dam on the Wrench Creek, Noatak National Preserve.
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Preserve
Gnawed tree from beaver activity on tributary of the Agashashok River, Noatak National Preserve
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dam crossing mainstem of Rabbit Creek near the headwaters, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument.
Measuring the amount of water impounded by a beaver dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument.
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver swimming near dam on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Beaver dams on Rabbit Creek, Cape Krusenstern National Monument
*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