Fisheries Services

The Fisheries Department solves problems for environmental management and specializes in the fields of conservation, invasive species, and bioindicators of water quality. Staff have extensive knowledge of freshwater and estuarine fish life history, distribution, and assessment techniques. Developing tailored sampling designs and applying novel techniques to solve problems with fish are of particular interest.

Conservation

Fisheries Department biologists work to restore and conserve fish communities, often in collaboration with other conservation-minded groups. This work includes the assessment and ecological restoration of endangered species, species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), and migratory species of conservation concern. Examples of imperiled species that the department has worked with include rare minnows like the Ironcolor Shiner, Bridle Shiner and Rio Grande Silvery Minnow; native catfishes; and migratory species such as American Eel, American Shad and River Herrings. Recent ecological restoration work has included prioritization of activities, dam removal, habitat suitability determinations, and the identification of sites for species reintroduction.

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. Studies have focused on understanding the distribution, abundance, diet, and ecosystem impact of these species. Invasive species of recent focus include Northern Snakehead, Threadfin Shad, and Freshwater Drum.

Bioindicators & Water Quality

Fisheries Department 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, assessed toxins in fish, and developed bioindicator criteria for aquatic systems. 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.