Fish Ecology Research Lab
A Holistic Approach to Fish Ecology Research
Fostering an ecosystem-based approach to fish population and aquatic systems research is priority one for the Fish Ecology Research Laboratory (FERL) research group. Faculty, staff research scientists, and graduate students are shifting thinking in these areas by examining fish populations in struggling streams in a broader context, as part of the complete aquatic ecosystem.
This approach is helping political leaders, fisheries management groups and other influencers get a better handle on critical issues affecting our waterways. Here are some examples of what’s happening within the Fish Ecology Research Lab:
- Evaluating movement patterns of white sturgeon in the lower Columbia River
- Assess effects of warm river water temperatures on energetics and reproductive success of migrating adult salmon
- Addressing ecological impacts of American shad
- Assessing swimming performance and spawning distributions of Pacific lamprey
- Mapping and evaluating habitat use by adult salmon in the Columbia River estuary
- Teaming up to assess system restoration after dam removal in the Elwha River on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington