Comparing mangrove function in natural and artificial settings
Mangrove forests connect the land and the ocean in many coastal areas throughout the world (Figure 1). They are estimated to cover over 75,000 square miles (19.4 km2) of coastline […]
Personality cult: Do fish sort into habitats based on personality?
Stream restoration projects typically increase the complexity of stream habitat. At their most basic, restoration projects add materials such as boulders and tree root wads to the streambed that slow […]
Timber! How letting trees fall into rivers may help native fish thrive but not invasive ones
Round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) are a small bottom dwelling species of goby native to the Black and Caspian Sea regions of Eastern Europe (Figure 1). Although they are best known […]
Brown trout use restored stream habitat during winter
Due to degraded habitat and poor water quality throughout North America, stream restoration projects are becoming increasingly widespread. These projects frequently focus on restoring riparian and stream habitat, stabilizing streambanks […]
Blinded by the light: Artificial light may affect reproductive cycles in fish
Many people take for granted their ability to control lighting conditions with the flick of a switch. In major cities almost every corner of every street is illuminated, even in […]
Icefish in a warming sea
The oceans are warming, with the most dramatic warming occurring at the poles. Temperature is a key factor for all ectothermic animals, including many fish. The internal body temperature of […]
Seeing something shiny: Visual cues increase fish abundance on an artificial reef
The author would like to extend a special thank you to Avery Paxton for providing quotes, pictures, and video links that enriched the content of this post. Artificial reefs come […]
Native lamprey making a comeback in Washington State after dam removal
Hydroelectric power is one of the cleanest energy sources available. Washington State is the United States’ leading producer of hydroelectric power, which generates about 75% of the State’s energy. Although […]
Winter flounder spawning offshore in the southern Gulf of Maine
Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) are small-mouthed flatfish native to the east coast of North America, ranging from Labrador to Georgia. They are right-eyed flounder, meaning that as adults, both eyes […]
Eavesdropping on Electric Fish
Direct observation of animals in their natural habitat is a cornerstone of natural history and ecology, but observing aquatic organisms presents numerous challenges because they live under water. Intrepid scientists […]
Anthropogenic changes are impacting juvenile fish populations in estuaries on the Pacific coast
Humans have long relied on coastal environments. Whether it be a family enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, or a multi-billion dollar company loading a ship that will carry […]
Rocks in the river: How researchers are helping the recovery of the Great Lakes’ oldest fish
The St. Clair and Detroit Rivers have changed dramatically over the last century as construction of shipping canals have destroyed many of the natural limestone reefs and rocky features that […]
Safety in the Field: Part 2
Welcome to the second part of our Safety in the Field series! In this post you will find tips for staying safe and responding to sun and heat related hazards. […]
Comparing habitat preference of aquatic life between beaches and riprap in Delaware Bay
Due to sea level rise and increased development in coastal areas, shoreline armoring has become an increasingly popular strategy to protect coastal communities and infrastructure. These armoring structures include seawalls, […]
Spawning habitat for Lake Sturgeon could be impacted by water management practices
Lake Sturgeon are considered a species of conservation concern in most waterbodies in North America due to habitat degradation, poor water quality, barriers to migration, and harvesting of both adults […]
Safety in the Field: Part 1
Across the country, we are slowly transitioning from winter into spring and many groups are preparing for a season of fieldwork. While it is more exciting to think about all […]
Small Fish in a Big City: Can Urban Restoration Increase Juvenile Fish Densities in Degraded Habitats?
Centers of human population are often built along rivers and their floodplains due to convenient access to drinking water, trade routes, fishing, and irrigation. As a consequence of increased urbanization, […]
Changes to the Fisheries Act of Canada
The Fisheries Act of Canada (Fisheries Act R.S.C. 1985 c. F-14) is the country’s leading legislation for the protection of fish and fish habitat. The law was narrowed in its […]
What do groundwater seeps and brown trout have in common?
Imagine diving into a cool body of water after exercising or working in hot weather. This is an example of behavioral thermoregulation—changing your actions in order to influence your body […]
Using imaging sonar to count migrating river herring
Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), collectively known as river herring, are small, silvery fish native to the east coast of North America. They are anadromous, meaning they […]
