Fisheries Services

Fisheries Section activities combine traditional and novel techniques to answer questions concerning conservation and management of fishes. Some methods include collection and identification of fish species, surveys of fish communities and habitats, environmental impact assessments (how fish respond to human activities such as dams or pollution) and analysis of contaminants in fish.

Conservation

Fisheries Section biologists work to restore and conserve fish communities, often in collaboration with other conservation-minded groups. This work includes the study and protection of endangered species and species of conservation concern. Examples of imperiled species include rare minnows like the Iron Color Shiner, Bridle Shiner and Rio Grande Silvery Minnow; native catfishes; and migratory species such as American Eel, American Shad and River Herrings.

Invasive Species

We study the effects of invasive species on aquatic resources, biodiversity and species of concern. We are particularly interested in the implications of invasive species for future fisheries management. Invasive species of recent focus include Northern Snakehead, Flathead Catfish and Asian Swamp Eel.

Pollution & Water Quality

Fisheries Section biologists routinely evaluate the effects of industry on fish and fish communities throughout the United States. To aid in regulation-setting and to understand the effects of pollutants, we have researched the effects of natural gas drilling on fishes and assessed toxins in fish. Understanding and assessing emerging contaminants and industries are of particular interest.

Additional studies have included assessing water quality standards and species requirements. One example of this type of assessment is to determine what concentration of dissolved oxygen (the form that oxygen takes in water which allows it to be taken in by aquatic organisms) is needed in the Delaware Estuary for aquatic species to live and reproduce there.