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Nathaniel (Than) Hitt, PhD

Dr. Nathaniel (Than) P. Hitt is a Research Fish Biologist at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, West Virginia

He holds a B.A. in Biology from the College of Wooster, an M.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech. Dr. Hitt’s research investigates freshwater fish ecology and community ecotoxicology from a landscape perspective, focusing on stream ecosystems in the Appalachian highlands.  His research includes:

  • Modeling fish habitat and population/community responses to environmental change
  • Forecasting effects of climate change for fish habitat in headwater streams
  • Effects of stream flow and temperature on fish population dynamics

 

Education

  • 2007 PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences                                                                            
  • 2002 MS, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, Division of Biological Sciences, Organismal Biology and Ecology 
  • 1996 BA, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH  Biology, Honors

 

Professional experience 

  • 2009-present: Research Fish Biologist, US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center 
  • 2018-present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Natural Resource Ecology & Management, Oklahoma State University 
  • 2015-present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University 
  • 2008-2009: Postdoctoral Researcher, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center 
  • 2007-2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences 
  • 2002-2007: Graduate Research Assistant, Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences 
  • 1999-2002: Graduate Research Assistant, University of Montana, Division of Biological Sciences 

 

 

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 16
link
USGS

Project eTrout

Welcome to Project eTrout [instructional video]! Click here to begin. Click here for a summary of results. Virtual reality (VR) provides exciting opportunities for environmental education and research. We invite your participation in a new program to engage students, anglers, and citizen scientists in fish ecology and climate change research using new VR methods. Participants will learn about fish...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Project eTrout

Welcome to Project eTrout [instructional video]! Click here to begin. Click here for a summary of results. Virtual reality (VR) provides exciting opportunities for environmental education and research. We invite your participation in a new program to engage students, anglers, and citizen scientists in fish ecology and climate change research using new VR methods. Participants will learn about fish...
Learn More
link
Hydrological framework

A hydrological framework to improve precision of Vital Signs metrics in the Appalachian highlands

Stream flow is a fundamental driver of ecological structure and function, but its influence on bioassessment measures is poorly understood. Although extreme flow conditions (e.g., floods and droughts) have long been known to play a central role in structuring stream communities, a mechanistic understanding of the linkages between flow variables, landscape and local physical characteristics, and...
By
Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

A hydrological framework to improve precision of Vital Signs metrics in the Appalachian highlands

Stream flow is a fundamental driver of ecological structure and function, but its influence on bioassessment measures is poorly understood. Although extreme flow conditions (e.g., floods and droughts) have long been known to play a central role in structuring stream communities, a mechanistic understanding of the linkages between flow variables, landscape and local physical characteristics, and...
Learn More
link
Brook trout image

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research and monitoring plans

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability. Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme droughts, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. As...
By
Ecosystems, Water Resources, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research and monitoring plans

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability. Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme droughts, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. As...
Learn More
link
LSC Fish Health Laboratory

USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout

The USGS has established an experimental stream lab in the Leetown Science Center.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout

The USGS has established an experimental stream lab in the Leetown Science Center.
Learn More
link
Project eTrout Graphic

Project eTrout—Linking Research and Education with Virtual Reality

In the Chesapeake Bay headwaters, native brook trout are economically and culturally important and require high-quality, cold-water habitats. Project eTrout, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), explores the use of crowdsourcing and virtual reality (VR) to estimate the abundance of brook trout in headwater streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Project eTrout engages students, anglers, and...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Project eTrout—Linking Research and Education with Virtual Reality

In the Chesapeake Bay headwaters, native brook trout are economically and culturally important and require high-quality, cold-water habitats. Project eTrout, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), explores the use of crowdsourcing and virtual reality (VR) to estimate the abundance of brook trout in headwater streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Project eTrout engages students, anglers, and...
Learn More
link
Blue Ridge Sculpin

Assessing native fish restoration potential in Catoctin Mountain Park

Native species conservation is a fundamental purpose of National Parks. Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Maryland supports a prized trout fishery and a healthy community of native fishes, with one exception: native Blue Ridge Sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) appear to have been extirpated from Big Hunting Creek above Cunningham Falls. Infection by a fungal-like protist Dermocystidium is...
By
Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Assessing native fish restoration potential in Catoctin Mountain Park

Native species conservation is a fundamental purpose of National Parks. Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Maryland supports a prized trout fishery and a healthy community of native fishes, with one exception: native Blue Ridge Sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) appear to have been extirpated from Big Hunting Creek above Cunningham Falls. Infection by a fungal-like protist Dermocystidium is...
Learn More
link
Maury River, Virginia

Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
Learn More
link
Maury River, Virginia

Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
Learn More
link
Dr. Kent Crawford lifts a carp caught during a 2015 electro-fishing survey for Smallmouth Bass on the Conodoguinet Creek.

Changing Freshwater Flows Affect Fish Populations in the Potomac River

Issue: Millions of people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water and recreational opportunities. The Potomac is Maryland’s most popular freshwater fishing destination, and the second largest river that enters the Chesapeake Bay. Restoring fisheries is also an important goal for the Chesapeake Bay Partnership restoration efforts.
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Changing Freshwater Flows Affect Fish Populations in the Potomac River

Issue: Millions of people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water and recreational opportunities. The Potomac is Maryland’s most popular freshwater fishing destination, and the second largest river that enters the Chesapeake Bay. Restoring fisheries is also an important goal for the Chesapeake Bay Partnership restoration efforts.
Learn More
link
brook trout

Enabling AI for citizen science in fish biology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection. This...
By
Core Science Systems, Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link

Enabling AI for citizen science in fish biology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection. This...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

Enabling AI for citizen science in fish ecology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection.This proje
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
link

Enabling AI for citizen science in fish ecology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection.This proje
Learn More
link
Brook trout

Effects of introduced species on native brook trout: a guide to the scientific literature

Issue: Native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are of great ecological, cultural, and economic importance in eastern North America, and their restoration is a focus of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Introduced, non-native species can jeopardize native brook trout, and more information on these effects are needed.
By
Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
link

Effects of introduced species on native brook trout: a guide to the scientific literature

Issue: Native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are of great ecological, cultural, and economic importance in eastern North America, and their restoration is a focus of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Introduced, non-native species can jeopardize native brook trout, and more information on these effects are needed.
Learn More

Spatial patterns of dewatering within watersheds of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (2016 and 2019)

These data describe longitudinal (upstream to downstream) patterns of dewatering during summer baseflow (July-September) conditions in nine watersheds in Shenandoah National park. In July-August of 2016 all nine watersheds (Jeremy's Run, Hazel River, Piney River, Hughes River, Staunton River, Whiteoak Canyon Run, Paine Run, Meadow Run, and Big Run) were evaluated for dewatering. In September of 20
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Stream temperature and sculpin growth data collected from Catoctin Mountain Park in 2019

This Data Release includes records of stream temperature during summer months of 2019 (10 sites) and records of Blue Ridge sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) weight for fish held in experimental enclosures for 45 days during the temperature sampling period (5 sites).
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Brook trout movement data related to cover and forage in an experimental stream system with associated water quality parameters

Brook trout is a species of conservation concern in the eastern US. In 2016, we evaluated brook trout movement patterns in response to food and cover treatments in an experimental stream system using RFID monitoring techniques at the USGS Leetown Science Center in Kearneysville, WV. Brook trout were tagged with 12mm HDX Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and monitored with Multi-Antenna HDX
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Water and air temperature data from Shenandoah Valley streams, Virginia (2017)

This Data Release provides hourly records of air and water temperature within 5 watersheds (Beaver Creek, Dry River, Mossy Creek, Passage Creek & Spout Run) in the Shenandoah Valley, VA in the summer of 2017. Data loggers were deployed and retrieved by Trout Unlimited personnel and volunteers.
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Temperature data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A combination of long-term daily temperature records and depth to bedrock measurements were used to parameterize one-dimensional models of shallow aquifer vertical heat transport in Shenandoah National Park, VA, USA. Spatially discontinuous roving water surface and bank temperatures surveys were performed with a handheld thermal infrared camera in September and December 2015 along the main channel
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Filter Total Items: 39

State-space analysis of power to detect regional brook trout population trends over time

Threats to aquatic biodiversity are expressed at broad spatial scales, but identifying regional trends in abundance is challenging owing to variable sampling designs, and temporal and spatial variation in abundance. We compiled a regional dataset of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis counts across their southern range representing 326 sites from eight states between 1982-2014, and conducted a stati
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Inferring watershed hydraulics and cold-water habitat persistence using multi-year air and stream temperature signals

Streams strongly influenced by groundwater discharge may serve as “climate refugia” for sensitive species in regions of increasingly marginal thermal conditions. The main goal of this study is to develop paired air and stream water annual temperature signal analysis techniques to elucidate the relative groundwater contribution to stream water and the effective groundwater flowpath depth. Groundwat
By
Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Shallow bedrock limits groundwater seepage-based headwater climate refugia

Groundwater/surface-water exchanges in streams are inexorably linked to adjacent aquifer dynamics. As surface-water temperatures continue to increase with climate warming, refugia created by groundwater connectivity is expected to enable cold water fish species to survive. The shallow alluvial aquifers that source groundwater seepage to headwater streams, however, may also be sensitive to seasonal
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities

Forecasting stream habitat and Brook Trout responses to climate change in Catoctin Mountain Park

Anticipating and mitigating the effects of climate change is a fundamental challenge for natural resource conservation. In this report, we respond to research needs identified by Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) for native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) conservation and management as part of the US Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Resources Preservation Program in FY15-16. We addressed three ove
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Landform features and seasonal precipitation predict shallow groundwater influence on temperature in headwater streams

Headwater stream responses to climate change will depend in part on groundwater‐surface water exchanges. We used linear modeling techniques to partition likely effects of shallow groundwater seepage and air temperature on stream temperatures for 79 sites in nine focal watersheds using hourly air and water temperature measurements collected during summer months from 2012 to 2015 in Shenandoah Natio
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Brook trout use of thermal refugia and foraging habitat influenced by brown trout

The distribution of native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in eastern North America is often limited by temperature and introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta), the relative importance of which is poorly understood but critical for conservation and restoration planning. We evaluated effects of brown trout on brook trout behavior and habitat use in experimental streams across increasing temperatu
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Dermocystidium sp. infection in Blue Ridge Sculpin captured in Maryland

Raised pale cysts were observed on Blue Ridge Sculpin Cottus caeruleomentum during stream fish community surveys in Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland. When examined histologically, preserved sculpin exhibited multiple cysts containing spherical endospores with a refractile central body characteristic of Dermocystidiumspp. Cysts were not observed on the gills or internally. The portion of the waters
By
Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Threshold responses of Blackside Dace (<i>Chrosomus cumberlandensis</i>) and Kentucky Arrow Darter (<i>Etheostoma spilotum</i>) to stream conductivity

Chrosomus cumberlandensis (Blackside Dace [BSD]) and Etheostoma spilotum (Kentucky Arrow Darter [KAD]) are fish species of conservation concern due to their fragmented distributions, their low population sizes, and threats from anthropogenic stressors in the southeastern United States. We evaluated the relationship between fish abundance and stream conductivity, an index of environmental quality a
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Accounting for groundwater in stream fish thermal habitat responses to climate change

Forecasting climate change effects on aquatic fauna and their habitat requires an understanding of how water temperature responds to changing air temperature (i.e., thermal sensitivity). Previous efforts to forecast climate effects on brook trout habitat have generally assumed uniform air-water temperature relationships over large areas that cannot account for groundwater inputs and other processe
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Threshold-dependent sample sizes for selenium assessment with stream fish tissue

Natural resource managers are developing assessments of selenium (Se) contamination in freshwater ecosystems based on fish tissue concentrations. We evaluated the effects of sample size (i.e., number of fish per site) on the probability of correctly detecting mean whole-body Se values above a range of potential management thresholds. We modeled Se concentrations as gamma distributions with shape a
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from mountaintop mining

Mountaintop mining (MTM) affects chemical, physical, and hydrological properties of receiving streams, but the long-term consequences for fish-assemblage structure and function are poorly understood. We sampled stream fish assemblages using electrofishing techniques in MTM exposure sites and reference sites within the Guyandotte River basin, USA, during 2010–2011. We calculated indices of taxonomi
By
Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Synthesis and interpretation of surface-water quality and aquatic biota data collected in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 1979-2009

Shenandoah National Park in northern and central Virginia protects 777 square kilometers of mountain terrain in the Blue Ridge physiographic province and more than 90 streams containing diverse aquatic biota. Park managers and visitors are interested in the water quality of park streams and its ability to support healthy coldwater communities and species, such as the native brook trout (Salvelinus
By
Water Resources, Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Pre-USGS Publications

Hitt, N.P. and M. Hendryx. 2010. Ecological integrity of streams linked to human cancer mortality rates. EcoHealth 7:91-104.
Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2008. River-stream connectivity affects fish bioassessment performance. Environmental Management 42:132-150.
Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2008. Evidence for fish dispersal from spatial analysis of stream network topology. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 27:304-320.
Hitt, N.P. and B.R. Murphy. 2007. An inquiry-based case study for conservation biology. Journal of Virginia Science Education 2:43-50.
Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2006. Effects of adjacent streams on local fish assemblage structure in western Virginia: implications for biomonitoring. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48:75-86.
Vignieri, S.N., E.M. Hallerman, B.J. Bergstrom, D.J. Hafner, A.P. Martin, P. Devers, P. Grobler and N.P. Hitt. 2006. Mistaken view of taxonomy undermines conservation of an evolutionarily distinct mouse: a response to Ramey et al. Journal of Animal Conservation 9:237-243.
Allendorf, F.W., R. Leary, N.P. Hitt, K. Knudsen, M. Boyer and P. Spruell. 2005. Cutthroat trout hybridization and the U.S. Endangered Species Act: one species, two policies. Conservation Biology 19:1326-1328.
Hitt, N.P. and C.A. Frissell. 2004. A case study of surrogate species in aquatic conservation planning. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14:625-633.
Allendorf, F.W., R. Leary, N.P. Hitt, K. Knudsen, L. Lundquist, and P. Spruell. 2004. Intercrosses and the U.S. Endangered Species Act: should hybridized populations be included as westslope cutthroat trout? Conservation Biology 18: 1203-1213.
Hitt, N.P., C.A. Frissell, C.C. Muhlfeld and F.W. Allendorf. 2003. Spread of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, and non-native rainbow trout, O. mykiss. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 60:1440-1451.
Hitt, N.P. 2003. Immediate effects of wildfire on stream temperature. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 18:171-173.
link

Fish Populations Down Due to Mountaintop Mining

Appalachian streams impacted by mountaintop mining have less than half as many fish species and about a third as many fish as non-impacted streams...
Read Article
link

USGS Study Reveals Interactive Effects of Climate Change, Invasive Species on Native Fish

A new USGS study shows non-native Brown Trout can place a burden on native Brook Trout under the increased water temperatures climate change can cause...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    Filter Total Items: 16
    link
    USGS

    Project eTrout

    Welcome to Project eTrout [instructional video]! Click here to begin. Click here for a summary of results. Virtual reality (VR) provides exciting opportunities for environmental education and research. We invite your participation in a new program to engage students, anglers, and citizen scientists in fish ecology and climate change research using new VR methods. Participants will learn about fish...
    By
    Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Project eTrout

    Welcome to Project eTrout [instructional video]! Click here to begin. Click here for a summary of results. Virtual reality (VR) provides exciting opportunities for environmental education and research. We invite your participation in a new program to engage students, anglers, and citizen scientists in fish ecology and climate change research using new VR methods. Participants will learn about fish...
    Learn More
    link
    Hydrological framework

    A hydrological framework to improve precision of Vital Signs metrics in the Appalachian highlands

    Stream flow is a fundamental driver of ecological structure and function, but its influence on bioassessment measures is poorly understood. Although extreme flow conditions (e.g., floods and droughts) have long been known to play a central role in structuring stream communities, a mechanistic understanding of the linkages between flow variables, landscape and local physical characteristics, and...
    By
    Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    A hydrological framework to improve precision of Vital Signs metrics in the Appalachian highlands

    Stream flow is a fundamental driver of ecological structure and function, but its influence on bioassessment measures is poorly understood. Although extreme flow conditions (e.g., floods and droughts) have long been known to play a central role in structuring stream communities, a mechanistic understanding of the linkages between flow variables, landscape and local physical characteristics, and...
    Learn More
    link
    Brook trout image

    Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research and monitoring plans

    There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability. Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme droughts, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. As...
    By
    Ecosystems, Water Resources, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research and monitoring plans

    There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability. Over the past several years, many regions have experienced extreme droughts, fueled by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and exceptionally warm temperatures. As...
    Learn More
    link
    LSC Fish Health Laboratory

    USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout

    The USGS has established an experimental stream lab in the Leetown Science Center.
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    USGS Expands Studies of Brook Trout

    The USGS has established an experimental stream lab in the Leetown Science Center.
    Learn More
    link
    Project eTrout Graphic

    Project eTrout—Linking Research and Education with Virtual Reality

    In the Chesapeake Bay headwaters, native brook trout are economically and culturally important and require high-quality, cold-water habitats. Project eTrout, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), explores the use of crowdsourcing and virtual reality (VR) to estimate the abundance of brook trout in headwater streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Project eTrout engages students, anglers, and...
    By
    Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Project eTrout—Linking Research and Education with Virtual Reality

    In the Chesapeake Bay headwaters, native brook trout are economically and culturally important and require high-quality, cold-water habitats. Project eTrout, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), explores the use of crowdsourcing and virtual reality (VR) to estimate the abundance of brook trout in headwater streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Project eTrout engages students, anglers, and...
    Learn More
    link
    Blue Ridge Sculpin

    Assessing native fish restoration potential in Catoctin Mountain Park

    Native species conservation is a fundamental purpose of National Parks. Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Maryland supports a prized trout fishery and a healthy community of native fishes, with one exception: native Blue Ridge Sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) appear to have been extirpated from Big Hunting Creek above Cunningham Falls. Infection by a fungal-like protist Dermocystidium is...
    By
    Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Assessing native fish restoration potential in Catoctin Mountain Park

    Native species conservation is a fundamental purpose of National Parks. Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Maryland supports a prized trout fishery and a healthy community of native fishes, with one exception: native Blue Ridge Sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) appear to have been extirpated from Big Hunting Creek above Cunningham Falls. Infection by a fungal-like protist Dermocystidium is...
    Learn More
    link
    Maury River, Virginia

    Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

    This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

    This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
    Learn More
    link
    Maury River, Virginia

    Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

    This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Bringing People, Data, and Models Together – Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature

    This study set out to answer the question: “What data and modeling frameworks are needed to provide scientists reliable, climate-informed, water temperature estimates for freshwater ecosystems that can assist watershed management decision making?” To accomplish this, the study gathered existing stream temperature data, identified data gaps, deployed stream temperature monitoring devices, and devel...
    Learn More
    link
    Dr. Kent Crawford lifts a carp caught during a 2015 electro-fishing survey for Smallmouth Bass on the Conodoguinet Creek.

    Changing Freshwater Flows Affect Fish Populations in the Potomac River

    Issue: Millions of people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water and recreational opportunities. The Potomac is Maryland’s most popular freshwater fishing destination, and the second largest river that enters the Chesapeake Bay. Restoring fisheries is also an important goal for the Chesapeake Bay Partnership restoration efforts.
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Changing Freshwater Flows Affect Fish Populations in the Potomac River

    Issue: Millions of people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water and recreational opportunities. The Potomac is Maryland’s most popular freshwater fishing destination, and the second largest river that enters the Chesapeake Bay. Restoring fisheries is also an important goal for the Chesapeake Bay Partnership restoration efforts.
    Learn More
    link
    brook trout

    Enabling AI for citizen science in fish biology

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection. This...
    By
    Core Science Systems, Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
    link

    Enabling AI for citizen science in fish biology

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection. This...
    Learn More
    link
    USGS science for a changing world logo

    Enabling AI for citizen science in fish ecology

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection.This proje
    By
    Community for Data Integration (CDI)
    link

    Enabling AI for citizen science in fish ecology

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ecology and conservation by enabling species recognition from photos and videos. Our project evaluates the capacity to expand AI for individual fish recognition for population assessment. The success of this effort would facilitate fisheries analysis at an unprecedented scale by engaging anglers and citizen scientists in imagery collection.This proje
    Learn More
    link
    Brook trout

    Effects of introduced species on native brook trout: a guide to the scientific literature

    Issue: Native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are of great ecological, cultural, and economic importance in eastern North America, and their restoration is a focus of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Introduced, non-native species can jeopardize native brook trout, and more information on these effects are needed.
    By
    Core Science Systems, Chesapeake Bay Activities
    link

    Effects of introduced species on native brook trout: a guide to the scientific literature

    Issue: Native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are of great ecological, cultural, and economic importance in eastern North America, and their restoration is a focus of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Introduced, non-native species can jeopardize native brook trout, and more information on these effects are needed.
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  • Data

    Spatial patterns of dewatering within watersheds of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (2016 and 2019)

    These data describe longitudinal (upstream to downstream) patterns of dewatering during summer baseflow (July-September) conditions in nine watersheds in Shenandoah National park. In July-August of 2016 all nine watersheds (Jeremy's Run, Hazel River, Piney River, Hughes River, Staunton River, Whiteoak Canyon Run, Paine Run, Meadow Run, and Big Run) were evaluated for dewatering. In September of 20
    By
    Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Stream temperature and sculpin growth data collected from Catoctin Mountain Park in 2019

    This Data Release includes records of stream temperature during summer months of 2019 (10 sites) and records of Blue Ridge sculpin (Cottus caeruleomentum) weight for fish held in experimental enclosures for 45 days during the temperature sampling period (5 sites).
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    Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Brook trout movement data related to cover and forage in an experimental stream system with associated water quality parameters

    Brook trout is a species of conservation concern in the eastern US. In 2016, we evaluated brook trout movement patterns in response to food and cover treatments in an experimental stream system using RFID monitoring techniques at the USGS Leetown Science Center in Kearneysville, WV. Brook trout were tagged with 12mm HDX Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and monitored with Multi-Antenna HDX
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    Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Water and air temperature data from Shenandoah Valley streams, Virginia (2017)

    This Data Release provides hourly records of air and water temperature within 5 watersheds (Beaver Creek, Dry River, Mossy Creek, Passage Creek & Spout Run) in the Shenandoah Valley, VA in the summer of 2017. Data loggers were deployed and retrieved by Trout Unlimited personnel and volunteers.
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    Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Temperature data for study of shallow mountain bedrock limits seepage-based headwater climate refugia, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

    A combination of long-term daily temperature records and depth to bedrock measurements were used to parameterize one-dimensional models of shallow aquifer vertical heat transport in Shenandoah National Park, VA, USA. Spatially discontinuous roving water surface and bank temperatures surveys were performed with a handheld thermal infrared camera in September and December 2015 along the main channel
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    Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 39

    State-space analysis of power to detect regional brook trout population trends over time

    Threats to aquatic biodiversity are expressed at broad spatial scales, but identifying regional trends in abundance is challenging owing to variable sampling designs, and temporal and spatial variation in abundance. We compiled a regional dataset of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis counts across their southern range representing 326 sites from eight states between 1982-2014, and conducted a stati
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Inferring watershed hydraulics and cold-water habitat persistence using multi-year air and stream temperature signals

    Streams strongly influenced by groundwater discharge may serve as “climate refugia” for sensitive species in regions of increasingly marginal thermal conditions. The main goal of this study is to develop paired air and stream water annual temperature signal analysis techniques to elucidate the relative groundwater contribution to stream water and the effective groundwater flowpath depth. Groundwat
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    Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Shallow bedrock limits groundwater seepage-based headwater climate refugia

    Groundwater/surface-water exchanges in streams are inexorably linked to adjacent aquifer dynamics. As surface-water temperatures continue to increase with climate warming, refugia created by groundwater connectivity is expected to enable cold water fish species to survive. The shallow alluvial aquifers that source groundwater seepage to headwater streams, however, may also be sensitive to seasonal
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    Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Forecasting stream habitat and Brook Trout responses to climate change in Catoctin Mountain Park

    Anticipating and mitigating the effects of climate change is a fundamental challenge for natural resource conservation. In this report, we respond to research needs identified by Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) for native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) conservation and management as part of the US Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Resources Preservation Program in FY15-16. We addressed three ove
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    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Landform features and seasonal precipitation predict shallow groundwater influence on temperature in headwater streams

    Headwater stream responses to climate change will depend in part on groundwater‐surface water exchanges. We used linear modeling techniques to partition likely effects of shallow groundwater seepage and air temperature on stream temperatures for 79 sites in nine focal watersheds using hourly air and water temperature measurements collected during summer months from 2012 to 2015 in Shenandoah Natio
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Brook trout use of thermal refugia and foraging habitat influenced by brown trout

    The distribution of native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in eastern North America is often limited by temperature and introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta), the relative importance of which is poorly understood but critical for conservation and restoration planning. We evaluated effects of brown trout on brook trout behavior and habitat use in experimental streams across increasing temperatu
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    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Dermocystidium sp. infection in Blue Ridge Sculpin captured in Maryland

    Raised pale cysts were observed on Blue Ridge Sculpin Cottus caeruleomentum during stream fish community surveys in Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland. When examined histologically, preserved sculpin exhibited multiple cysts containing spherical endospores with a refractile central body characteristic of Dermocystidiumspp. Cysts were not observed on the gills or internally. The portion of the waters
    By
    Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Threshold responses of Blackside Dace (<i>Chrosomus cumberlandensis</i>) and Kentucky Arrow Darter (<i>Etheostoma spilotum</i>) to stream conductivity

    Chrosomus cumberlandensis (Blackside Dace [BSD]) and Etheostoma spilotum (Kentucky Arrow Darter [KAD]) are fish species of conservation concern due to their fragmented distributions, their low population sizes, and threats from anthropogenic stressors in the southeastern United States. We evaluated the relationship between fish abundance and stream conductivity, an index of environmental quality a
    By
    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Accounting for groundwater in stream fish thermal habitat responses to climate change

    Forecasting climate change effects on aquatic fauna and their habitat requires an understanding of how water temperature responds to changing air temperature (i.e., thermal sensitivity). Previous efforts to forecast climate effects on brook trout habitat have generally assumed uniform air-water temperature relationships over large areas that cannot account for groundwater inputs and other processe
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    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

    Threshold-dependent sample sizes for selenium assessment with stream fish tissue

    Natural resource managers are developing assessments of selenium (Se) contamination in freshwater ecosystems based on fish tissue concentrations. We evaluated the effects of sample size (i.e., number of fish per site) on the probability of correctly detecting mean whole-body Se values above a range of potential management thresholds. We modeled Se concentrations as gamma distributions with shape a
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    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from mountaintop mining

    Mountaintop mining (MTM) affects chemical, physical, and hydrological properties of receiving streams, but the long-term consequences for fish-assemblage structure and function are poorly understood. We sampled stream fish assemblages using electrofishing techniques in MTM exposure sites and reference sites within the Guyandotte River basin, USA, during 2010–2011. We calculated indices of taxonomi
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    Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Synthesis and interpretation of surface-water quality and aquatic biota data collected in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 1979-2009

    Shenandoah National Park in northern and central Virginia protects 777 square kilometers of mountain terrain in the Blue Ridge physiographic province and more than 90 streams containing diverse aquatic biota. Park managers and visitors are interested in the water quality of park streams and its ability to support healthy coldwater communities and species, such as the native brook trout (Salvelinus
    By
    Water Resources, Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Hitt, N.P. and M. Hendryx. 2010. Ecological integrity of streams linked to human cancer mortality rates. EcoHealth 7:91-104.
    Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2008. River-stream connectivity affects fish bioassessment performance. Environmental Management 42:132-150.
    Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2008. Evidence for fish dispersal from spatial analysis of stream network topology. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 27:304-320.
    Hitt, N.P. and B.R. Murphy. 2007. An inquiry-based case study for conservation biology. Journal of Virginia Science Education 2:43-50.
    Hitt, N.P. and P.L. Angermeier. 2006. Effects of adjacent streams on local fish assemblage structure in western Virginia: implications for biomonitoring. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48:75-86.
    Vignieri, S.N., E.M. Hallerman, B.J. Bergstrom, D.J. Hafner, A.P. Martin, P. Devers, P. Grobler and N.P. Hitt. 2006. Mistaken view of taxonomy undermines conservation of an evolutionarily distinct mouse: a response to Ramey et al. Journal of Animal Conservation 9:237-243.
    Allendorf, F.W., R. Leary, N.P. Hitt, K. Knudsen, M. Boyer and P. Spruell. 2005. Cutthroat trout hybridization and the U.S. Endangered Species Act: one species, two policies. Conservation Biology 19:1326-1328.
    Hitt, N.P. and C.A. Frissell. 2004. A case study of surrogate species in aquatic conservation planning. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14:625-633.
    Allendorf, F.W., R. Leary, N.P. Hitt, K. Knudsen, L. Lundquist, and P. Spruell. 2004. Intercrosses and the U.S. Endangered Species Act: should hybridized populations be included as westslope cutthroat trout? Conservation Biology 18: 1203-1213.
    Hitt, N.P., C.A. Frissell, C.C. Muhlfeld and F.W. Allendorf. 2003. Spread of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, and non-native rainbow trout, O. mykiss. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 60:1440-1451.
    Hitt, N.P. 2003. Immediate effects of wildfire on stream temperature. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 18:171-173.
  • News
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    Fish Populations Down Due to Mountaintop Mining

    Appalachian streams impacted by mountaintop mining have less than half as many fish species and about a third as many fish as non-impacted streams...
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    USGS Study Reveals Interactive Effects of Climate Change, Invasive Species on Native Fish

    A new USGS study shows non-native Brown Trout can place a burden on native Brook Trout under the increased water temperatures climate change can cause...

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