A5014970795- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Marine and fisheries research
- Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Crustacean biology and ecology
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Fish biology, ecology, and behavior
- Marine and coastal plant biology
- Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
- Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
- Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies
- Soil and Water Nutrient Dynamics
- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
- Marine animal studies overview
- Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
- Ichthyology and Marine Biology
- Water resources management and optimization
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research
- Water Quality and Resources Studies
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2016-2025
North Carolina State University
2014-2019
Tennessee Technological University
2012-2016
University of Georgia
2007-2014
United States Geological Survey
2012-2014
Little consideration has been given to environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling strategies for rare species. The certainty of species detection relies on understanding false positive and negative error rates. We used artificial ponds together with logistic regression models assess the African jewelfish eDNA at varying fish densities (0, 0.32, 1.75, 5.25 fish/m3). Our objectives were determine most effective water stratum detection, estimate true rates, number samples necessary minimize risk...
Surveys of freshwater mussel populations are used frequently to inform conservation decisions by providing information about the status and distribution species. It is generally accepted that not all mussels or species collected during surveys, incomplete detection individuals can bias data affect inferences. However, considerably less attention has been given potential effects misidentification. To evaluate prevalence reasons for misidentification, we conducted a laboratory-based...
Along the Florida reef tract, stony-coral-tissue-loss disease (SCTLD) has caused extensive mortality of more than 20 scleractinian coral species. The pathogen is unknown, but its epizoology indicates that disease, facilitated by water currents, progressed linearly along affecting reefs at scale hundreds kilometers. To inform ongoing mitigation efforts, we examined small-scale spatial and temporal epidemiology SCTLD. We established a series sites in middle Keys offshore inshore locations had...
Abstract Genetic rescue—an increase in population fitness following the introduction of new alleles—has been proven to ameliorate inbreeding depression small, isolated populations, yet is rarely applied as a conservation tool. A lingering question regarding genetic rescue wildlife how long beneficial effects persist admixed populations. Using data collected over 40 years from 1192 endangered Florida panthers ( Puma concolor coryi ) across nine generations, we show that experimental...
ABSTRACT Mortality from being struck by a motorized watercraft is considerable for many aquatic vertebrates around the world, including sea turtles. We studied stranded (i.e., dead, sick, or injured) turtles found in Florida, USA, during 1986–2014 and identified those with sharp force blunt injuries indicative of vessel strike. About third loggerheads ( Caretta caretta ), green Chelonia mydas leatherbacks Dermochelys coriacea ) had vessel‐strike injury (VSI). The frequency this was lower but...
ABSTRACT Objective We sought to apply the reflex action mortality predictor method and predict discard of intermolt blue crabs Callinectes sapidus in two regions Florida better inform stock assessments management decisions. additionally provide an empirical estimate on market-bound mortality, which has not been incorporated into landings data or assessments. Methods Intermolt crab condition (measured as impairment), injury score, environmental salinity were collected northeast (NE)...
Since 2014, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has led to large-scale mortality of over 20 species throughout the Florida Reef Tract. In 2019, in-water intervention strategies were implemented treat affected corals. Two treatment employed: (1) topical application an amoxicillin paste directly margins, and (2) a chlorinated epoxy margins as well adjacent “disease break” trench. Effectiveness treatments on 2,379 lesions from 725 corals representing five was evaluated using mixed effects...
Marine fish movement plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning and is increasingly studied with acoustic telemetry. Traditionally, this research has focused on single species small spatial scales. However, integrated tracking networks, such as the Integrated Tracking of Aquatic Animals Gulf Mexico (iTAG) network, are building capacity to monitor multiple over larger We conducted synthesis passive monitoring data for 29 (889 transmitters), ranging from large top predators consumers,...
Summary 1. North American freshwater mussels have been subjected to multiple stressors in recent decades that contributed declines the status and distribution of many species. However, considerable uncertainty exists regarding relative influence these factors on observed population declines. 2. We used an occupancy modelling approach quantify relationships between mussel species occurrence various site‐ catchment‐level factors, including land cover, stream size, drought reach isolation due...
ABSTRACT Efforts to conserve stream and river biota could benefit from tools that allow managers evaluate landscape‐scale changes in species distributions response water management decisions. We present a framework methods for integrating hydrology, geographic context metapopulation processes simulate effects of streamflow on fish occupancy dynamics across landscape interconnected segments. illustrate this approach using 482 km 2 catchment the southeastern US supporting 50 or more species. A...
Abstract Many marine fish form spawning aggregations (FSAs) and exhibit meta-population stock structure, affecting reproductive resilience the optimal spatial scale of management. Red drum use a known FSA site off Tampa Bay (TB site) another presumed Charlotte Harbor (CH site). We studied these sites for 3 years (2012–2014) to assess space annual abundance at TB using: (i) genetically profiled fish, non-lethally sampled by purse seine (n = 9087); (ii) aerial surveys 37); (iii) acoustic...
The timing of American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) spawning behavior along the coast Florida (United States) is generally associated with highest tides during spring and fall lunar cycles. All estuaries support populations, but tidal characteristics vary markedly among locations, which may influence behavior. Indian River Lagoon a large microtidal estuary on Florida's east coast. Given nature lagoon, it unclear environmental factors affect spawning. In 2019, volunteers Horseshoe Crab...
The Indian River Lagoon (IRL), located on the east coast of Florida, is a complex estuarine ecosystem that negatively affected by recurring harmful algal blooms (HABs) from distinct taxonomic/functional groups. Enhanced monitoring was established to facilitate rapid quantification three recurrent bloom taxa, Aureoumbra lagunensis, Pyrodinium bahamense, and Pseudo-nitzschia spp., included corroborating techniques improve identification small-celled nanoplankton (<10 μm in diameter)....
Subtropical Florida blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, exhibit differing life history traits compared to their temperate counterparts, likely influencing symbiont infection dynamics. Little information exists for C. sapidus profiles, distribution among various habitats, and influence on crab condition. Using histopathology, genomics, transmission electron microscopy, we describe the first profiles occupying freshwater marine habitats. Twelve groups were identified from 409 crabs including...
Abstract Objective Since 2010, three spatially disjunct reef fish video surveys have provided fishery‐independent data critical to the assessment and management of fishes in Gulf Mexico. Although analytical approaches recently been developed integrate from these into a single measure relative abundance size composition, more parsimonious approach would be survey efforts under Gulf‐wide design. Accordingly, we conducted retrospective analysis historical video‐ habitat‐mapping develop novel...
Abstract River regulation and development are the foremost problems threatening lotic fishes other aquatic biota in United States. The operation of hydroelectric facilities can influence both habitat availability environmental stability downstream reaches. We evaluated relative complexity on fish assemblage structure at unregulated hydropower‐regulated reaches Flint southwestern Georgia. different types was highly variable regulated reach owing to large, daily fluctuations discharge....
Abstract Fishery biologists are increasingly recognizing the importance of considering dynamic nature streams when developing streamflow policies. Such approaches require information on how flow regimes influence physical environment and those factors, in turn, affect species‐specific demographic rates. A more cost‐effective alternative could be use occupancy models to predict species likely respond changes flow. To appraise efficacy this approach, we evaluated relative support for...
Abstract During the past 100 years, most large rivers in North America have been altered for flood control, hydropower, navigation or water supply development. Although these activities clearly provide important human services, their associated environmental disturbances can profoundly affect stream‐dwelling organisms. We used dynamic multi‐species occupancy models combined with a trait‐based approach to estimate influence of site‐level and species‐level characteristics on patch rates 15...
Abstract In the agricultural landscape of Midwestern USA, waterways are highly altered. Oxbows among few remaining off‐channel habitats associated with streams, supporting fish assemblages that include endangered Topeka shiners Notropis topeka in portions their range. Oxbow restorations seek to increase number and quality oxbows for shiners. For provide optimal habitat, periods isolation from streams connection during floods necessary. Water levels patterns drying hydrological connectivity...
Assessing the population status and dynamics of species is an important component monitoring efforts aimed at improving understanding relationships between freshwater mussels (Bivalvia:Unionidae) their environment. Most mussel assessments are conducted using raw count (density, abundance) or presence/absence data but relatively few studies account for potential biases associated with incomplete detection individuals during sampling. We a capture-mark-recapture study over 7 y to assess...
Abstract Worldwide, coastal wetlands are threatened by disrupted hydrology, urbanization, and sea-level rise. In southwest Florida, include tidal creeks ponds, which the primary habitats used juvenile Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus , an important sport fish. Coastal ponds can occur near uplands ephemerally connected to open estuary, creating conditions of variable dissolved oxygen salinity. Juveniles tolerate wide-ranging abiotic conditions, but little is known about how they egress from their...
Physical damage by motor vessels is a widespread problem for seagrass meadows, with hull and propeller strikes accounting thousands of acres impaired habitat in Florida, United States, alone. Because the excavations can become topographically unstable, because recolonization succession seagrasses require decades to reach climax, Thalassia testudinum ‐ dominated communities, there has been increasing efforts regrade stabilize impacted sediments, speed succession. A prior project involving...