Leetown Science Center (LSC)

11649 Leetown Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Phone: 304-724-4400
Fax: 304-724-4410
http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/

LSC conducts studies of aquatic organisms in all topics covered by the USGS Fisheries: Aquatic and Endangered Resources Program. Select a topic of interest from the menu below and see samples of fisheries-related research at LSC:

Fish and Aquatic Organism Health
National Fish Health Laboratories | Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors | Detection, Transmission, and Immunology | Aquatic Animal Drugs and Treatments

Species Diversity and Life History
Clupeids and Herring | Eels | Mussels | Salmon and Trout | Shad | Sturgeons |Turtles

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology
Amphibians | Coral | Crystal Darters | Mussels | Salmon and Trout | Suckers | Sunfish  | Turtles | General Research

Aquatic Community Ecology
Aquatic Birds | Clupeids and Herring | Shad | Ecology Research

Imperiled Aquatic Species
Mussels | Restoring Landscapes and Imperiled Communities

Fish Passage and Dams
All Fish Passage and Dams

Restoration Science and Technology
Clupeids and Herring | Habitat Remediation Methods | Insects | Mussels | Salmon and Trout | Shad | Restoration Tools and Technology

River Science
All River Science

Fish and Aquatic Organism Health: National Fish Health Laboratories

• Fish Health at the Leetown Science Center

Fish and Aquatic Organism Health: Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors

• Comparison of the Bacterial Flora and Parasite Infestations of Healthy and Diseased Imperiled Freshwater Mussels from Seasonal Mussel Dieoffs in the Tennessee River (White wartyback pearly mussel)
  
  
• Diseases of Coral and Coral Reef Fishes (Algae, Anemones, Bivalves, Coral, Echinoderms, Fireworms, Mollusks, Pathogenic microbes, Plants, Protists, Tunicates, Snails, Sponges)

• Effect of Riparian Zone and Associated Stream Substrata on Tubifex tubifex: Density and Infection Rate with Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxobolus cerebralis/ Whirling Disease, Tubifex tubifex)

• Endocrine Disruption of Smolting and Ion Regulation in Anadromous Fish (American shad, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic sturgeon, Striped bass)

• Epidemiology and Control of Emergent Disease Issues Associated with Interjurisdictional Fish Restoration Programs

• Evaluation of the Potential Toxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbances on Fish Populations in Maine and the Northeast U.S. (Atlantic salmon)

• Fish Health and Reproductive Studies at Lake Erie Areas of Concern

• Influences of Environmental Factors, Point Source Pollution and Pathogen Distribution on Fish Health Issues in the Chesapeake Bay: 1) Menhaden Lesions (Dinoflagellates, Menhaden, Pfiesteria piscicida)

• Influences of Environmental Factors, Point Source Pollution and Pathogen Distribution on Fish Health Issues in the Chesapeake Bay: 2) Mycobacterial Lesions in Striped Bass

• Investigation of Point and Non-Point Bacterial Contamination in West Virginia and Virginia Surface and Ground Waters by Rapid Molecular Methods (Bacteria)

• Investigations on Fish Health in Selected Tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and Linkages to Water Quality, Land Use and Other Environmental Factors

• Pathogenesis of Frog Virus 3 Among Early Life Stages of the Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

• Role of Essential Nutrients with Emphasis on Thiamine in Early Mortality Syndrome of Salmonids and Other Species

• Virulence Assessment of Isolates of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) Endemic and Exotic to the Great Lakes Basin

• Whirling Disease Research

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Fish and Aquatic Organism Health: Detection, Transmission, and Immunology

• Development of an Improved Mediume for Primary Isolation of Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Cause of Bacterial Coldwater Disease (Flavobacterium psychrophilum)

• Development of Molecular Genetic Markers to Study the Genetics of Scleractinian Corals in Relationship to Coral Disease and Reef Resilience (Coral)

• Effects of Estrogen and Related Contaminants on the Expression of Genes Involved in the Innate Immune System of Fish in Rivers of the Chesapeake Bay Drainage (Largemouth bass, Northern hogsuckers, Smallmouth bass, Sunfish) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)

• Genetics of Resistant Strains of Salmonids to Myxobolus cerebralis (Atlantic salmon, Brook trout, Lake trout, Myxobolus cerebralis/Whirling disease, Rainbow trout)

• Identifying Mussel Tissues/Sites that May be Collected in a Non-Destructive/Non-Lethal Procedure for the Purpose of Health Screening and Detection of Pathogens in Imperiled Freshwater Mussels

• Imperiled Freshwater Mussels: The Need for Research to Prevent the Introduction and Transmission of Pathogens and Diseases (Freshwater mussels, Zebra mussels)

• Method Verification of the Detection of Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Sequences of DNA Specific to Various Animal Hosts in a Set of Challenge Water Samples (Coliform bacteria, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli)

• Molecular Based Detection of Fish Pathogens Relevant to the Endangered Suckers of Upper Klamath Lake and the Development of a Surrogate Laboratory Model for Disease Challenge Studies (Algal blooms, Flavobacterium columnare, Lost River sucker, Shortnose sucker, White sucker) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)

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Fish and Aquatic Organism Health: Aquatic Animal Drugs and Treatments

• Application of Calcein as a Dietary Component for Fish Marking to Enhance Product Evaluation and Management Capabilities (Atlantic salmon, Brook trout, Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, Shovelnose sturgeon, Striped bass)

• Modeling Microbial Diversity of Infection to Affect FDA Revision of Licensed Antibiotics from "Control of Mortality" to "Control of Pathogen"
  

• Physiology - Endocrinology and Immunology
  

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Species Diversity and Life History: Clupeids and Herring

• Effects of Stress and Fatigue on Migration and Spawning Success of Anadromous Clupeids (Anadromous clupeids) (also related to Fish and Aquatic Organism Health, Fish Passage and Dams)

Species Diversity and Life History: Eels

• Investigation of migratory behaviors and passage technologies for American eels (American eel)

Species Diversity and Life History: Mussels

• Ecology and Biology of Declining Freshwater Mussels (Freshwater mussels, Unionids)

• Understanding Fragmentation: A Comparison of Population Structure Between Rare and Common Species of Freshwater Mussels in the Upper Delaware River (Alasmidonta heterodon, Alasmidonta implicata, Elliptio complanata, Unionids) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)
  

Species Diversity and Life History: Salmon and Trout

• Assessing the Risk Posed to Native Atlantic Salmon in Maine by Escapement of European Salmon with Emphasis on the Potential for Outbreeding Depression (Atlantic salmon, European salmon)

• Evaluating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Effort: Genetic Variability, Stocking Success and Habitat Quality (Atlantic salmon) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology; Restoration Science and Technology)

• Individual-Based Approach to Evaluating the Relationship Between Habitat Choice, Life History Strategies, and Smolt Production (Atlantic salmon)

• Juvenile Atlantic Salmon Growth and Life History in a Maine Stream (Atlantic salmon)
  

• Transcriptional Profiling of the Parr-Smolt Transformation in Atlantic Salmon and the Effect of Nonylphenol on Gene Expression During Smolt Development (Atlantic salmon) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)

Species Diversity and Life History: Shad

• Evaluation of Passage Performance of Adult American Shad at Lower Connecticut River Mainstem Fish Passage Facilities (American shad)

Species Diversity and Life History: Sturgeons

• Biological Studies of Shortnose and Other Sturgeons (Shortnose sturgeon, Sturgeons)

• Life History Behavior and Fish Passage of Shortnose and Other Sturgeons (Chinese  sturgeon, Lake sturgeon, Pallid sturgeon, Russian sturgeon, Shortnose sturgeon, Stellate sturgeon, White sturgeon) (Also related to Fish Passage and Dams)
  

Species Diversity and Life History: Turtles

• Genetic Population Structure Among Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay and a Comparison Among Representative Populations Throughout the Species’ Range (Diamondback terrapins) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)

• Identification of Population Structure, Metapopulation Extent, and Evolutionarily Significant Lineages in the Spotted Turtle: Implications for Restoration (Spotted turtle) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology)

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Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Amphibians

• Identification of Population Structure, Metapopulation Extent, and Evolutionarily Significant Lineages of the Spotted Salamander and Wood Frog Inhabiting Vernal Pools in Three National Parks: Implications for Conservation Strategies (Spotted salamander, Wood frog)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Coral

• Phylogeography and Population Genetic Structure of the Deep-Sea Coral Lophelia pertusa (Lophelia pertusa)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Crystal Darters

• Morphological and Molecular Systematics of the Crystal Darter (Crystallaria asprella) (Crystal darter)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Mussels

• Captive Breeding Management and Assessment of Augmentation Efforts with Multilocus Microsatellite DNA Genotypes in the Endangered Clubshell (Pleurobema clava) (Clubshell)

• Understanding Fragmentation: A Comparison of Population Structure Between Rare and Common Species of Freshwater Mussels in the Upper Delaware River (Alasmidonta heterodon, Alasmidonta implicata, Elliptio complanata, Unionids) (also related to Species Diversity and Life History)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Salmon and Trout

• Conservation Genetics of Ecologically and Recreationally Important Fishes (Blue pike, Lake herring, Lake trout, Lake whitefish, Northern pike, Walleye, Whale shark, Yellow perch, other Native finfish of the Great Lakes)

• Evaluating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Effort: Genetic Variability, Stocking Success and Habitat Quality (Atlantic salmon) (also related to Restoration Science and Technology, Species Diversity and Life History)
  

• Genetic Stock Identification of Atlantic Salmon Inhabiting North America with Emphasis on the Downeast Rivers of Maine (Atlantic salmon)

• Identification and Management of Genetic Diversity among Brook Trout Populations Inhabiting Five National Parks (Brook trout)

• Transcriptional Profiling of the Parr-Smolt Transformation in Atlantic Salmon and the Effect of Nonylphenol on Gene Expression During Smolt Development (Atlantic salmon) (also related to Species Diversity and Life History)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Sturgeons

• Determination of Sex by Molecular Genetic Methods in Atlantic Sturgeon (Atlantic sturgeon)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Suckers

• Molecular Based Detection of Fish Pathogens Relevant to the Endangered Suckers of Upper Klamath Lake and the Development of a Surrogate Laboratory Model for Disease Challenge Studies (Algal blooms, Flavobacterium columnare, Lost River sucker, Shortnose sucker, White sucker) (also related to Fish and Aquatic Organism Health)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Sunfish

• Effects of Estrogen and Related Contaminants on the Expression of Genes Involved in the Innate Immune System of Fish in Rivers of the Chesapeake Bay Drainage (Largemouth bass, Northern hogsuckers, Smallmouth bass, Sunfish) (also related to Fish and Aquatic Organism Health)
  

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: Turtles

• Genetic Population Structure Among Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay and a Comparison Among Representative Populations Throughout the Species’ Range (Diamondback terrapins) (also related to Species Diversity and Life History)

• Identification of Population Structure, Metapopulation Extent, and Evolutionarily Significant Lineages in the Spotted Turtle: Implications for Restoration (Spotted turtle) (also related to Species Diversity and Life History)

Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology: General Research

• Conservation Genetics of At-Risk Species and Species of Concern

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Aquatic Community Ecology: Aquatic Birds

• Effects of Double-Crested Cormorant Predation on Fish Populations in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River (Alewife, Brown bullhead, Salmonines, Smallmouth bass, White perch, Yellow perch)

Aquatic Community Ecology: Clupeids and Herring

• Identifying Mechanisms Controlling Growth and Survival of Connecticut River Alosines: Modeling, Field and Laboratory Studies (American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass)

Aquatic Community Ecology: Shad

• Identifying Mechanisms Controlling Growth and Survival of Connecticut River Alosines: Modeling, Field and Laboratory Studies (American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass)

Aquatic Community Ecology: Ecology Research

• Aquatic Ecology Branch at the Leetown Science Center
  

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Imperiled Aquatic Species: Mussels

• Ecology and Biology of Declining Freshwater Mussels (Freshwater mussels)
  

Imperiled Aquatic Species: Restoring Landscapes and Imperiled Communities

• Benthic Community Response to Limestone Tributary Drainage in a Mine-Acid Impared River System: Implications for Restoration of Fishes (Diadromous fish, Freshwater mussels, Plankton) (also related to Restoration Science and Technology)
  

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Fish Passage and Dams

• Alden Lab CRADA: Environmental Hydraulics and Fish Passage

• Behavior of American Shad and Blueback Herring Relative to Fish Passage: Task II - Behavior in Existing Fishways (American shad, Blueback herring)
  

• Behavior, Passage, and Guidance of Downstream Migrant Fishes in Hydroelectric Forebay Environments (American eel, Sturgeon)

• Engineering Design and Biological Evaluation of New Fish Passage Structures for Anadromous and Riverine Species

• Estimation of Atlantic Salmon Smolt Passage and Outmigration in the Connecticut River by Remote Acoustic Technology (Atlantic salmon)

• Evaluation of Bypass Channels for Passing Riverine Fish Upstream of Dams (Anadromous, Catadromous, other Riverine species)
  

• Fish Migration and Passage Technical Assistance
  

• Hydraulic Model Study of Little Falls Dam Fish Passage (Alewife, American shad, Blueback herring, other Anadromous fish species)

• Life History Behavior and Fish Passage of Shortnose and Other Sturgeons (Chinese  sturgeon, Lake sturgeon, Pallid sturgeon, Russian sturgeon, Shortnose sturgeon, Stellate sturgeon, White sturgeon) (Also related to Species Diversity and Life History)

• Modeling Habitat Quality and Impact of Dam Removal on the Restoration of Alosines and Other Diadromous Fishes to the Susquehanna River (Alewife, American eel, American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass, Alosines and other Diadromous fishes) (also related to Restoration Science and Technology, River Science)

• Reducing Environmental Impacts of Hydropower Generation: Development of New Methods (Also related to Restoration Science and Technology, River Science)
  

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Restoration Science and Technology: Clupeids and Herring

• Modeling Habitat Quality and Impact of Dam Removal on the Restoration of Alosines and Other Diadromous Fishes to the Susquehanna River (Alewife, American eel, American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass, Alosines and other Diadromous fishes) (also related to Fish Passage and Dams, River Science)

Restoration Science and Technology: Habitat Remediation Methods

• Demonstration of a Pulsed Limestone Bed Process for the Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage from Metal Mines

• Reducing Environmental Impacts of Hydropower Generation: Development of New Methods (Also related to Fish Passage and Dams, River Science)

• Restoration of Hatchery-Impacted Streams by Removal of Phosphorus

• Restoration of Water Degraded by Acid Mine Drainage: Refinement and Demonstration of a New Treatment Process

Restoration Science and Technology: Insects

• Potential of 18 SER Parks as Reserves for Conservation of Aquatic Insect Species (Insects)

Restoration Science and Technology: Mussels

• Benthic Community Response to Limestone Tributary Drainage in a Mine-Acid Impared River System: Implications for Restoration of Fishes (Diadromous fish, Freshwater mussels, Plankton)
  

• New Methods for Control of Zebra Mussels and Asian Clams: Effect of Carbon Dioxide and Gas Supersaturation on Stress and Survivorship (Zebra mussels, Asian clams)

• Relocation of Native Freshwater Bivalves: Evaluation of Survival, Movement and Recruitment at Kennerdell, PA (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, Pleurobema clava)

Restoration Science and Technology: Salmon and Trout

• Evaluating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Effort: Genetic Variability, Stocking Success and Habitat Quality (Atlantic salmon) (also related to Genetics, Genomics, and Molecular Biology; Species Diversity and Life History)

• Evaluation of Alkilinity Enhancement of Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery Water on Atlantic Salmon Production (Atlantic salmon)

• Relative Survival of Hatchery Atlantic Salmon Fry Released at Different Stages of Development and from Different Maternal Origin (Atlantic salmon)

Restoration Science and Technology: Shad

• Modeling Habitat Quality and Impact of Dam Removal on the Restoration of Alosines and Other Diadromous Fishes to the Susquehanna River (Alewife, American eel, American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass, Alosines and other Diadromous fishes) (also related to Fish Passage and Dams, River Science)
  

Restoration Science and Technology: Restoration Tools and Technology

• Restoration Technologies Branch of the Leetown Science Center

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River Science

• Modeling Habitat Quality and Impact of Dam Removal on the Restoration of Alosines and Other Diadromous Fishes to the Susquehanna River (Alewife, American eel, American shad, Blueback herring, Striped bass, Alosines and other Diadromous fishes) (also related to Fish Passage and Dams, Restoration Science and Technology)

• Reducing Environmental Impacts of Hydropower Generation: Development of New Methods (also related to Fish Passage and Dams, Restoration Science and Technology)

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	More Research Samples from: Contaminant Biology Program Invasive Species Program Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Marine Ecosystems Program Wildlife: Terrestrial and Endangered Resources Program