Current Studies

Toxicity of Pesticides to Fall-run Chinook Salmon
Objective of the study is to measure concentrations of pesticides during the "first flush" of the winter rains, estimate toxic effects on native invertebrates species and larval salmon, and compare salmon diet before and after the pesticide exposure. The project is in collaboration with Don Weston (UC Berkeley), Inge Werner (UC Davis), and Bill Jennings (Delta Keeper) and is funded by CALFED for the period 2000 - 2003.

Genotoxity of Pesticides to Native Fishes
Objective of the study is to determine effects of dissolved pesticides to native fishes by examining short term effects on DNA fragmentation and acetylcholinesterase inhibition and longer-term effects on genetic diversity. The project is in collaboration with Susan Anderson, Bernie May, and Barry Wilson (UCD) and is funded by US EPA for the period 1999 - 2002.

Exposure of Delta Smelt to Dissolved Pesticides
Objective of the study is to document exposure of Delta smelt to dissolved pesticides by sampling during time and locations of Delta smelt larval and juvenile life stages in the Delta. The project is in collaboration with California Department of Fish and Game and is funded by the Sacramento-San Joaquin Interagency Ecological Program for the period 1998-2004.