Theodore Castro-Santos
Research Ecologist at the Eastern Ecological Science Center's S.O. Conte Research Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA
Human activities have caused extensive fragmentation of riverine corridors. Dams, culverts, and other barriers prevent migratory and riverine fishes from accessing key habitats. This is particularly problematic for diadromous fishes like Atlantic salmon and American shad that must transition between fresh- and saltwater habitats in order to complete their life cycles. Swimming performance and behavioral responses to hydraulic conditions (turbulence, velocity, etc.) are major interests, as is development of quantitative methods for identifying and characterizing barriers. This work has broad relevance, not only to stewardship and management of aquatic resources, but also to understanding fundamental aspects of the ecology and evolution of fishes. Some current projects include:
- Sprint-swimming performance of migratory and riverine species
- Effects of turbulence on swimming performance, biomechanics, and behavior
- Modeling fish passage through culverts
- Bioenergetics models of anadromous fish migration
Professional Experience
US Geological Survey (1995-present)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1992-1995)
Education and Certifications
PhD Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; University of Massachusetts Amherst (2002)
MS Wildlife Biology Washington State University (1991)
BA Colgate University (1987)
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Fisheries Society
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 80
Alternative sea lamprey barrier technologies: History as a control tool Alternative sea lamprey barrier technologies: History as a control tool
Currently, application of lampricides and installation of low-head barriers are the only proven means of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control in the Great Lakes. While sea lamprey cannot climb or jump over low-head barriers, many desirable migratory species also cannot traverse barriers and are unintentionally blocked. Recently, there has been a push to reduce reliance on chemical...
Authors
D.P. Zielinski, R. McLaughlin, Theodore Castro-Santos, B. Paudel, Pete J. Hrodey, A. Muir
How lipid content and temperature affect American shad (Alosa sapidissima) attempt rate and sprint swimming: Implications for overcoming migration barriers How lipid content and temperature affect American shad (Alosa sapidissima) attempt rate and sprint swimming: Implications for overcoming migration barriers
How seasonal effects such as temperature increases and reduced lipid content affect the ability of anadromous fishes to traverse high-velocity barriers and sprint swimming is poorly understood. We evaluated American shad (Alosa sapidissima) swimming performance in a flume against high flow velocities (2.5–3.7 m·s−1) during the upstream migration period (April–May; temperatures 11.1–21.4...
Authors
Shannon Bayse, Stephen McCormick, Theodore Castro-Santos
Assessing risks from harbor dredging to the northernmost population of diamondback terrapins using acoustic telemetry Assessing risks from harbor dredging to the northernmost population of diamondback terrapins using acoustic telemetry
The northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) is a saltmarsh-dependent turtle that occupies coastal habitats throughout much of the Atlantic coast of North America. We used a novel application of acoustic telemetry to quantify both mobility and occupancy of terrapins within a dredged harbor and surrounding habitats, and used these metrics to quantify relative risk to...
Authors
Theodore Castro-Santos, M. Bolus, A. J. Danylchuk
Sediment infilling benefits rainbow trout passage in a baffled channel Sediment infilling benefits rainbow trout passage in a baffled channel
Fish are thought to exploit low velocity recirculation zones in the wakes of baffles to take refuge from challenging hydraulic conditions in baffled culverts. Here, we investigate how sediment deposition in the wakes of baffles affects passage and behaviors of juvenile rainbow trout in a baffled experimental flume. High temporal resolution 3D fish tracking provided detailed kinematics of...
Authors
Jason Duguay, Brendan Foster, R.W. Lacey, Theodore Castro-Santos
The S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center--a model for progress The S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center--a model for progress
No abstract available.
Authors
Theodore Castro-Santos, Alexander Haro, Benjamin H. Letcher, Stephen McCormick
Influencia de factores ambientales y biométricos en la capacidad de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864), un ciprínido potamódromo endémico de la Península Ibérica Influencia de factores ambientales y biométricos en la capacidad de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864), un ciprínido potamódromo endémico de la Península Ibérica
El presente trabajo analiza la capacidad voluntaria de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864) en un canal abierto durante su época de migración, relacionándola con factores ambientales y biométricos. La temperatura del agua, la velocidad de flujo y la longitud del pez fueron los factores de mayor importancia que condicionaron la velocidad de nado de los barbos y...
Authors
Jorge Ruiz-Legazpi, F.J. Sanz-Ronda, F.J. Bravo-Cordoba, J.F. Fuentes-Perez, Theodore Castro-Santos
Effectiveness of a fish ladder for two Neotropical migratory species in the Paraná River Effectiveness of a fish ladder for two Neotropical migratory species in the Paraná River
We evaluated fish ladder effectiveness at Porto Primavera Dam in the Upper Paraná River, for two Neotropical migratory fish species. Overall, 564 fish (448 Megaleporinus obtusidens and 116 M. piavussu) were PIT-tagged, released in upstream and downstream areas (on the left and right banks), and monitored continuously for 4 years. The fish performed two-way movements through the fish...
Authors
Carola Gutfreund, Sergio Makrakis, Theodore Castro-Santos, Leandro Celestino, Joao Dias, Maristela Makrakis
Influence of baffles on upstream passage of brook trout and brown trout in an experimental box culvert Influence of baffles on upstream passage of brook trout and brown trout in an experimental box culvert
There is much to learn about improving baffle designs to increase successful fish passage through culverts. A fish’s motivation to attempt entry into the culvert is essential. Upon entry, successful passage will largely depend on the physiological ability of the fish to navigate the entire culvert length. In this study, the motivation of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814...
Authors
Jason Duguay, R.W. Lacey, Theodore Castro-Santos
The future of fish passage science, engineering, and practice The future of fish passage science, engineering, and practice
Much effort has been devoted to developing, constructing and refining fish passage facilities to enable target species to pass barriers on fluvial systems, and yet, fishway science, engineering and practice remain imperfect. In this review, 17 experts from different fish passage research fields (i.e., biology, ecology, physiology, ecohydraulics, engineering) and from different continents...
Authors
Ana Silva, Martyn Lucas, Theodore Castro-Santos, Christos Katopodis, Lee Baumgartner, Jason Thiem, Kim Aarestrup, Paulo Pompeu, Gordon O’Brien, Douglas Braun, Nicholas Burnett, David Zhu, Hans-Petter Fjeldstad, Torbjorn Forseth, Nallamuthu Rajarathnam, John Williams, Steven J. Cooke
Environmental, anthropogenic, and dietary influences on fine-scale movement patterns of Atlantic salmon through challenging waters Environmental, anthropogenic, and dietary influences on fine-scale movement patterns of Atlantic salmon through challenging waters
Partial barriers to migration can affect migratory fish population dynamics and be influenced by many biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors, including nutritional deficiencies. We investigated how such variables (including a thiamine deficiency) impact fine-scale movement of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by treating returning spawners with thiamine and observing their...
Authors
Andrew Harbicht, Theodore Castro-Santos, Dimitry Gorsky, D.M. Hand, D.J. Fraser, W.R. Ardren
Spatial mismatch between sea lamprey behaviour and trap location explains low success at trapping for control Spatial mismatch between sea lamprey behaviour and trap location explains low success at trapping for control
Crucial to the management of invasive species is understanding space use and the environmental features affecting space use. Improved understanding of space use by invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) could help researchers discern why trap success in large rivers is lower than needed for effective control. We tested whether manipulating discharge nightly could increase trap success...
Authors
Andrew Rous, Adrienne McLean, Jessica Barber, Gale Bravener, Theodore Castro-Santos, Christopher M. Holbrook, Istvan Imre, Thomas C. Pratt, Robert L. McLaughlin
Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert
Culverts may restrict fish movements under some hydraulic conditions such as shallow flow depths or high velocities. Although swimming capacity imposes limits to passage performance, behaviour also plays an important role in the ability of fish to overcome velocity barriers. Corrugated metal culverts are characterized by unsteady flow and existence of low‐velocity zones, which can...
Authors
Elsa Goerig, Normand Bergeron, Theodore Castro-Santos
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 80
Alternative sea lamprey barrier technologies: History as a control tool Alternative sea lamprey barrier technologies: History as a control tool
Currently, application of lampricides and installation of low-head barriers are the only proven means of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control in the Great Lakes. While sea lamprey cannot climb or jump over low-head barriers, many desirable migratory species also cannot traverse barriers and are unintentionally blocked. Recently, there has been a push to reduce reliance on chemical...
Authors
D.P. Zielinski, R. McLaughlin, Theodore Castro-Santos, B. Paudel, Pete J. Hrodey, A. Muir
How lipid content and temperature affect American shad (Alosa sapidissima) attempt rate and sprint swimming: Implications for overcoming migration barriers How lipid content and temperature affect American shad (Alosa sapidissima) attempt rate and sprint swimming: Implications for overcoming migration barriers
How seasonal effects such as temperature increases and reduced lipid content affect the ability of anadromous fishes to traverse high-velocity barriers and sprint swimming is poorly understood. We evaluated American shad (Alosa sapidissima) swimming performance in a flume against high flow velocities (2.5–3.7 m·s−1) during the upstream migration period (April–May; temperatures 11.1–21.4...
Authors
Shannon Bayse, Stephen McCormick, Theodore Castro-Santos
Assessing risks from harbor dredging to the northernmost population of diamondback terrapins using acoustic telemetry Assessing risks from harbor dredging to the northernmost population of diamondback terrapins using acoustic telemetry
The northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) is a saltmarsh-dependent turtle that occupies coastal habitats throughout much of the Atlantic coast of North America. We used a novel application of acoustic telemetry to quantify both mobility and occupancy of terrapins within a dredged harbor and surrounding habitats, and used these metrics to quantify relative risk to...
Authors
Theodore Castro-Santos, M. Bolus, A. J. Danylchuk
Sediment infilling benefits rainbow trout passage in a baffled channel Sediment infilling benefits rainbow trout passage in a baffled channel
Fish are thought to exploit low velocity recirculation zones in the wakes of baffles to take refuge from challenging hydraulic conditions in baffled culverts. Here, we investigate how sediment deposition in the wakes of baffles affects passage and behaviors of juvenile rainbow trout in a baffled experimental flume. High temporal resolution 3D fish tracking provided detailed kinematics of...
Authors
Jason Duguay, Brendan Foster, R.W. Lacey, Theodore Castro-Santos
The S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center--a model for progress The S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center--a model for progress
No abstract available.
Authors
Theodore Castro-Santos, Alexander Haro, Benjamin H. Letcher, Stephen McCormick
Influencia de factores ambientales y biométricos en la capacidad de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864), un ciprínido potamódromo endémico de la Península Ibérica Influencia de factores ambientales y biométricos en la capacidad de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864), un ciprínido potamódromo endémico de la Península Ibérica
El presente trabajo analiza la capacidad voluntaria de nado del barbo ibérico (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864) en un canal abierto durante su época de migración, relacionándola con factores ambientales y biométricos. La temperatura del agua, la velocidad de flujo y la longitud del pez fueron los factores de mayor importancia que condicionaron la velocidad de nado de los barbos y...
Authors
Jorge Ruiz-Legazpi, F.J. Sanz-Ronda, F.J. Bravo-Cordoba, J.F. Fuentes-Perez, Theodore Castro-Santos
Effectiveness of a fish ladder for two Neotropical migratory species in the Paraná River Effectiveness of a fish ladder for two Neotropical migratory species in the Paraná River
We evaluated fish ladder effectiveness at Porto Primavera Dam in the Upper Paraná River, for two Neotropical migratory fish species. Overall, 564 fish (448 Megaleporinus obtusidens and 116 M. piavussu) were PIT-tagged, released in upstream and downstream areas (on the left and right banks), and monitored continuously for 4 years. The fish performed two-way movements through the fish...
Authors
Carola Gutfreund, Sergio Makrakis, Theodore Castro-Santos, Leandro Celestino, Joao Dias, Maristela Makrakis
Influence of baffles on upstream passage of brook trout and brown trout in an experimental box culvert Influence of baffles on upstream passage of brook trout and brown trout in an experimental box culvert
There is much to learn about improving baffle designs to increase successful fish passage through culverts. A fish’s motivation to attempt entry into the culvert is essential. Upon entry, successful passage will largely depend on the physiological ability of the fish to navigate the entire culvert length. In this study, the motivation of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814...
Authors
Jason Duguay, R.W. Lacey, Theodore Castro-Santos
The future of fish passage science, engineering, and practice The future of fish passage science, engineering, and practice
Much effort has been devoted to developing, constructing and refining fish passage facilities to enable target species to pass barriers on fluvial systems, and yet, fishway science, engineering and practice remain imperfect. In this review, 17 experts from different fish passage research fields (i.e., biology, ecology, physiology, ecohydraulics, engineering) and from different continents...
Authors
Ana Silva, Martyn Lucas, Theodore Castro-Santos, Christos Katopodis, Lee Baumgartner, Jason Thiem, Kim Aarestrup, Paulo Pompeu, Gordon O’Brien, Douglas Braun, Nicholas Burnett, David Zhu, Hans-Petter Fjeldstad, Torbjorn Forseth, Nallamuthu Rajarathnam, John Williams, Steven J. Cooke
Environmental, anthropogenic, and dietary influences on fine-scale movement patterns of Atlantic salmon through challenging waters Environmental, anthropogenic, and dietary influences on fine-scale movement patterns of Atlantic salmon through challenging waters
Partial barriers to migration can affect migratory fish population dynamics and be influenced by many biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors, including nutritional deficiencies. We investigated how such variables (including a thiamine deficiency) impact fine-scale movement of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by treating returning spawners with thiamine and observing their...
Authors
Andrew Harbicht, Theodore Castro-Santos, Dimitry Gorsky, D.M. Hand, D.J. Fraser, W.R. Ardren
Spatial mismatch between sea lamprey behaviour and trap location explains low success at trapping for control Spatial mismatch between sea lamprey behaviour and trap location explains low success at trapping for control
Crucial to the management of invasive species is understanding space use and the environmental features affecting space use. Improved understanding of space use by invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) could help researchers discern why trap success in large rivers is lower than needed for effective control. We tested whether manipulating discharge nightly could increase trap success...
Authors
Andrew Rous, Adrienne McLean, Jessica Barber, Gale Bravener, Theodore Castro-Santos, Christopher M. Holbrook, Istvan Imre, Thomas C. Pratt, Robert L. McLaughlin
Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert
Culverts may restrict fish movements under some hydraulic conditions such as shallow flow depths or high velocities. Although swimming capacity imposes limits to passage performance, behaviour also plays an important role in the ability of fish to overcome velocity barriers. Corrugated metal culverts are characterized by unsteady flow and existence of low‐velocity zones, which can...
Authors
Elsa Goerig, Normand Bergeron, Theodore Castro-Santos
*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