Robin D Calfee
Robin Calfee is a Research Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Since joining the USGS in 1991, Robin has devoted her career to investigating the impacts of contaminants to various aquatic organisms and developing methods for quantifying fish swimming behavior. Currently, her research focuses on testing the effectiveness of different control strategies for Asian Carp such as auditory stimuli, food attractants and supplemental capture techniques.
Education and Certifications
M.S. Aquatic Biology, Department of Biology, Missouri State University 1996
B.S. Biology, Department of Biology, Missouri State University 1991
Science and Products
Development of a Ploidy Distinction Application: A Machine Learning Approach for Discriminating Triploid and Diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Field
USGS scientists are researching a machine learning approach that can enable fisheries personnel in the field to determine the ploidy of wild-caught invasive carp.
Laboratory Investigations with Fish Species to Assist with Implementing Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s Ecological Management Action Plans
WARC scientists will obtain live fish specimens from the field to conduct and enhance on-going laboratory research on harmful algal blooms and the use of piscicides to control invasive fish.
Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency
Mass removal of the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) is a primary management action in the United States to contain population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. Efficient capture and removal techniques are required to achieve this goal, and the USGS is working to develop and evaluate such...
Comparative Freshwater Fish Toxicity Testing of Antimycin A
Researchers are investigating the influence of Antimycin A on invasive carp and non-target fishes by measuring the effects of a novel species-specific bait formulation.
Development and Evaluation of Novel Capture Gears for Bigheaded Carps
Mass removal of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, is a primary management action to contain the population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. The use of passive trap nets to harvest bigheaded carps may effectively supplement active capture techniques. The USGS is working with partner agencies to develop...
Chemical Attractant Investigations to Increase Aggregation and Harvest for the Control of Invasive Carp
Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, are rapidly expanding their range. Federal agencies and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are focused on keeping invasive carps out of the Great Lakes. The development of an effective attractant may assist managers with capturing carps in low-density areas such...
Filter Total Items: 18
Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants
The data represent the common proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acid composition of eight baits, both agriculture and organismal that are anticipated for testing Black Carp and Grass Carp attraction. Baits were identified based on prior literature on species diet and reported use in commercial fisheries. The data also include the crude protein value of each bait type.
Fish target lengths of Silver Carp derived from Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar in backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Kentucky, 2022 February 18–23 Fish target lengths of Silver Carp derived from Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar in backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Kentucky, 2022 February 18–23
This dataset represents fish targets (presumed Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) recorded using Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS; Sound Metrics, Bellevue, WA) in five backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, KY (2022 February). A surface-to-bottom block net was set across embayments in a “chevron” shape pointed upstream to guide fish movements downstream...
Grass Carp Movement and Removal Effort Data from the Sandusky River, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA from 2022 to 2023 Grass Carp Movement and Removal Effort Data from the Sandusky River, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA from 2022 to 2023
Data include grass carp position and sampling data from 2022 to 2023. We used grass carp that were implanted with acoustic transmitters. The position data was generated in Fathom Position from receivers that composed several VEMCO Positioning Systems (VPS). We also queried the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation Network (GLATOS) to obtain non-VPS position detections from receivers...
Buffalo and Silver Carp individual and survival data following surgery using the sedation methods at Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA from 2022 to 2023 Buffalo and Silver Carp individual and survival data following surgery using the sedation methods at Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA from 2022 to 2023
The dataset includes capture and individual data for silver carp and buffalo from 2022 and 2023. Fish were captured in the Missouri River and tributaries and transported to the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA. Fish were assigned to one of four treatments to examine different sedation techniques for surgical implantation of artificial transmitters: tricaine
Data release for a novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp Data release for a novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp
Invasive carp pose substantial economic and ecological damage when populations are widespread in freshwater systems within the United States of America (USA). Resource managers in the USA have a limited number of chemical control tools to selectively remove nuisance fish. The present study examined whether Antimycin-A (antimycin) wax encapsulated microparticles could cause selective...
A machine learning approach for discriminating triploid and diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by using microscopic images of hematologically stained blood cells A machine learning approach for discriminating triploid and diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by using microscopic images of hematologically stained blood cells
Microscopic images of hematologically stained whole blood cells from diploid and triploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharynngodon idella) were obtained by a laboratory microscope and field microscope.
Filter Total Items: 42
Long-term surgery survival, body condition effects, and incision healing of Silver Carp and buffalo species comparing sedation methods across seasons Long-term surgery survival, body condition effects, and incision healing of Silver Carp and buffalo species comparing sedation methods across seasons
Objective Internal tagging for telemetry studies requires invasive surgery procedures, necessitating sufficient sedation to support animal welfare. Challenges with existing chemical sedatives have resulted in technological alternatives, including electrosedation, with these newer methods less extensively studied. Our primary objective was to understand long-term survival, body-condition...
Authors
Matthew Acre, Sophia Bonjour, Jacob N. Griffin, Robert Bratcher, Tyler Hessler, Dustin Broaddus, Andrew Mueller, Jacob Faulkner, Josey Ridgway, Michael Iacchetta, Suzanne Colyer, Robin Calfee
Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds
Objective Invasive carps continue to spread across the Mississippi River basin, posing significant ecological risk. Identifying technologies to slow their dispersal is critical. The use of sound has been proposed as a method to modify the behavior of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, offering a nonstructural deterrent strategy.Methods Silver Carp implanted with acoustic...
Authors
Jacob Faulkner, James Wamboldt, Katelyn M. Lawson, John Plumb, Christa M. Woodley, Jessica Stanton, Matthew Sholtis, Nicholas M Swyers, Mark Roth, Aaron C. Urbanczyk, Robin Calfee, Marybeth Brey
Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are nonnative, herbivorous freshwater fish that represent an ecological threat in North American waters. However, data are limited on reproductive biology specific to wild populations in midwestern North America, despite recent concern for grass carp establishment within the Great Lakes. Basic information on reproductive traits could be useful to...
Authors
Tammy Michelle Wilson, Matthew Acre, Fred Williams, Robin Calfee, Christine Mayer, Robert L. Mapes, Chris M. Kemp, Ryan T. Young, Michael Byrne
Fish-assemblage evaluation in the lower Sandusky River, Ohio, following dam removal Fish-assemblage evaluation in the lower Sandusky River, Ohio, following dam removal
The Sandusky River, Ohio, USA, has experienced more than a century of alterations, including dam implementation and removal, causing a cascade of habitat changes. The physical changes in the river led to establishment of several invasive species. Ten hoop-net sampling sites, spaced about 500 m apart were established in the river to monitor fish assemblage and their habitat preferences...
Authors
Kailee Amanda Schulz, Matthew Acre, Andrew Mueller, James Wamboldt, Dustin Broaddus, Tyler Hessler, Tammy Michelle Wilson, Robert L. Mapes, Jon Amberg, Robin Calfee
A novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp A novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp
Invasive carp pose substantial economic and ecological damage when populations are widespread in freshwater systems within the United States. Resource managers in the United States have few chemical control tools to selectively remove nuisance fish. This study examined whether Antimycin–A (antimycin) wax encapsulated microparticles could cause selective lethality in invasive carps. The...
Authors
Blake Sauey, Gavin Saari, Joel Putnam, Justine E. Nelson, James Wamboldt, J. Steiner, Robin Calfee
Side-scan sonar as a tool for measuring fish populations: Current state of the science and future directions Side-scan sonar as a tool for measuring fish populations: Current state of the science and future directions
Side-scan sonar (SSS) is a powerful tool that can be used to address many key questions in fisheries science. In principle, SSS uses dual transducers to transmit a narrow-beam, wide-angle acoustic signal as the survey vessel transits an area. The intensity of reflected sound is recorded to generate an image mosaic comprised of benthic substrates and targets in the water column, including...
Authors
Josey Ridgway, John Madsen, Jesse Fischer, Robin Calfee, Matthew Acre, David Kazyak
Science and Products
Development of a Ploidy Distinction Application: A Machine Learning Approach for Discriminating Triploid and Diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Field
USGS scientists are researching a machine learning approach that can enable fisheries personnel in the field to determine the ploidy of wild-caught invasive carp.
Laboratory Investigations with Fish Species to Assist with Implementing Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s Ecological Management Action Plans
WARC scientists will obtain live fish specimens from the field to conduct and enhance on-going laboratory research on harmful algal blooms and the use of piscicides to control invasive fish.
Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency
Mass removal of the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) is a primary management action in the United States to contain population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. Efficient capture and removal techniques are required to achieve this goal, and the USGS is working to develop and evaluate such...
Comparative Freshwater Fish Toxicity Testing of Antimycin A
Researchers are investigating the influence of Antimycin A on invasive carp and non-target fishes by measuring the effects of a novel species-specific bait formulation.
Development and Evaluation of Novel Capture Gears for Bigheaded Carps
Mass removal of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, is a primary management action to contain the population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. The use of passive trap nets to harvest bigheaded carps may effectively supplement active capture techniques. The USGS is working with partner agencies to develop...
Chemical Attractant Investigations to Increase Aggregation and Harvest for the Control of Invasive Carp
Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, hereafter referred to as bigheaded carps, are rapidly expanding their range. Federal agencies and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are focused on keeping invasive carps out of the Great Lakes. The development of an effective attractant may assist managers with capturing carps in low-density areas such...
Filter Total Items: 18
Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants
The data represent the common proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acid composition of eight baits, both agriculture and organismal that are anticipated for testing Black Carp and Grass Carp attraction. Baits were identified based on prior literature on species diet and reported use in commercial fisheries. The data also include the crude protein value of each bait type.
Fish target lengths of Silver Carp derived from Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar in backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Kentucky, 2022 February 18–23 Fish target lengths of Silver Carp derived from Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar in backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Kentucky, 2022 February 18–23
This dataset represents fish targets (presumed Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) recorded using Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS; Sound Metrics, Bellevue, WA) in five backwater embayments of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, KY (2022 February). A surface-to-bottom block net was set across embayments in a “chevron” shape pointed upstream to guide fish movements downstream...
Grass Carp Movement and Removal Effort Data from the Sandusky River, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA from 2022 to 2023 Grass Carp Movement and Removal Effort Data from the Sandusky River, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA from 2022 to 2023
Data include grass carp position and sampling data from 2022 to 2023. We used grass carp that were implanted with acoustic transmitters. The position data was generated in Fathom Position from receivers that composed several VEMCO Positioning Systems (VPS). We also queried the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation Network (GLATOS) to obtain non-VPS position detections from receivers...
Buffalo and Silver Carp individual and survival data following surgery using the sedation methods at Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA from 2022 to 2023 Buffalo and Silver Carp individual and survival data following surgery using the sedation methods at Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA from 2022 to 2023
The dataset includes capture and individual data for silver carp and buffalo from 2022 and 2023. Fish were captured in the Missouri River and tributaries and transported to the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA. Fish were assigned to one of four treatments to examine different sedation techniques for surgical implantation of artificial transmitters: tricaine
Data release for a novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp Data release for a novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp
Invasive carp pose substantial economic and ecological damage when populations are widespread in freshwater systems within the United States of America (USA). Resource managers in the USA have a limited number of chemical control tools to selectively remove nuisance fish. The present study examined whether Antimycin-A (antimycin) wax encapsulated microparticles could cause selective...
A machine learning approach for discriminating triploid and diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by using microscopic images of hematologically stained blood cells A machine learning approach for discriminating triploid and diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by using microscopic images of hematologically stained blood cells
Microscopic images of hematologically stained whole blood cells from diploid and triploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharynngodon idella) were obtained by a laboratory microscope and field microscope.
Filter Total Items: 42
Long-term surgery survival, body condition effects, and incision healing of Silver Carp and buffalo species comparing sedation methods across seasons Long-term surgery survival, body condition effects, and incision healing of Silver Carp and buffalo species comparing sedation methods across seasons
Objective Internal tagging for telemetry studies requires invasive surgery procedures, necessitating sufficient sedation to support animal welfare. Challenges with existing chemical sedatives have resulted in technological alternatives, including electrosedation, with these newer methods less extensively studied. Our primary objective was to understand long-term survival, body-condition...
Authors
Matthew Acre, Sophia Bonjour, Jacob N. Griffin, Robert Bratcher, Tyler Hessler, Dustin Broaddus, Andrew Mueller, Jacob Faulkner, Josey Ridgway, Michael Iacchetta, Suzanne Colyer, Robin Calfee
Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds Behavioral responses of Silver Carp to underwater acoustic deterrent sounds
Objective Invasive carps continue to spread across the Mississippi River basin, posing significant ecological risk. Identifying technologies to slow their dispersal is critical. The use of sound has been proposed as a method to modify the behavior of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, offering a nonstructural deterrent strategy.Methods Silver Carp implanted with acoustic...
Authors
Jacob Faulkner, James Wamboldt, Katelyn M. Lawson, John Plumb, Christa M. Woodley, Jessica Stanton, Matthew Sholtis, Nicholas M Swyers, Mark Roth, Aaron C. Urbanczyk, Robin Calfee, Marybeth Brey
Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are nonnative, herbivorous freshwater fish that represent an ecological threat in North American waters. However, data are limited on reproductive biology specific to wild populations in midwestern North America, despite recent concern for grass carp establishment within the Great Lakes. Basic information on reproductive traits could be useful to...
Authors
Tammy Michelle Wilson, Matthew Acre, Fred Williams, Robin Calfee, Christine Mayer, Robert L. Mapes, Chris M. Kemp, Ryan T. Young, Michael Byrne
Fish-assemblage evaluation in the lower Sandusky River, Ohio, following dam removal Fish-assemblage evaluation in the lower Sandusky River, Ohio, following dam removal
The Sandusky River, Ohio, USA, has experienced more than a century of alterations, including dam implementation and removal, causing a cascade of habitat changes. The physical changes in the river led to establishment of several invasive species. Ten hoop-net sampling sites, spaced about 500 m apart were established in the river to monitor fish assemblage and their habitat preferences...
Authors
Kailee Amanda Schulz, Matthew Acre, Andrew Mueller, James Wamboldt, Dustin Broaddus, Tyler Hessler, Tammy Michelle Wilson, Robert L. Mapes, Jon Amberg, Robin Calfee
A novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp A novel tool to selectively deliver a control agent to filter-feeding silver and bighead carp
Invasive carp pose substantial economic and ecological damage when populations are widespread in freshwater systems within the United States. Resource managers in the United States have few chemical control tools to selectively remove nuisance fish. This study examined whether Antimycin–A (antimycin) wax encapsulated microparticles could cause selective lethality in invasive carps. The...
Authors
Blake Sauey, Gavin Saari, Joel Putnam, Justine E. Nelson, James Wamboldt, J. Steiner, Robin Calfee
Side-scan sonar as a tool for measuring fish populations: Current state of the science and future directions Side-scan sonar as a tool for measuring fish populations: Current state of the science and future directions
Side-scan sonar (SSS) is a powerful tool that can be used to address many key questions in fisheries science. In principle, SSS uses dual transducers to transmit a narrow-beam, wide-angle acoustic signal as the survey vessel transits an area. The intensity of reflected sound is recorded to generate an image mosaic comprised of benthic substrates and targets in the water column, including...
Authors
Josey Ridgway, John Madsen, Jesse Fischer, Robin Calfee, Matthew Acre, David Kazyak