USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center

A joint meeting with Ohio and West Virginia Chapters of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) convenes at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, on February 19-21. USGS scientist Duane Chapman, Columbia Environmental Research Center, will give a plenary talk at this conference about invasive carp in the U.S., "A Pragmatic Discussion of the Asian Carp Invasion." The meeting announcement is available at <http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~ocafs/2013AFS_MeetingAnnouncement.pdf>. (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

On January 23-24, scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will present research findings at the Asian Carp eDNA Science Meeting in Chicago, IL, sponsored by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) <http://www.asiancarp.us/index.htm>. This meeting is to facilitate open discussion about the science and application of eDNA and review lessons learned to identify future direction with regards to the utilization of eDNA as a monitoring tool. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the genetic material of an organism that is found in the environment, released in the form of secretions, feces and urine. eDNA testing is useful as a potential early indicator of Asian carp presence, however, there remain many uncertainties about what a positive eDNA sample indicates. (Marcia Kelly Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

In a list of the top 100 cited papers for the journal of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (ET&C), since its beginning in 1982, of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) either authored (3) or co-authored (1) four of these 100 highly visible contaminant science papers; each CERC paper was cited between 119-225 times. The topical areas these papers cover include: occurrence, causes, and significance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment; chemical and biological approaches for assessing the effects of effluent or sediment-associated contaminants; advances in risk assessment practices; and detecting and evaluating contaminants of historical and emerging concern. The scientists from CERC are:  Dr. David Alvarez, Dr. Donald Tillitt, Dr. Edward Little and Susan Finger. This Top 100 List is available at: <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/etc.2053/full>. (Marcia Kelly Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

"Asian Carp Perilously Close to Invading the Great Lakes: Five States Lose Battle to Build a Carp Barrier," by Alison Fairbrother, published online by TakePart on December 7 , features USGS scientist Duane Chapman discussing USGS invasive bigheaded carp research and issues about barriers preventing these invasives entry into the Great Lakes. The entire article is available at: <http://bit.ly/SW9LuV>.

On December 9-12, in Wichita, KS, USGS scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present results of fish research on invasive and declining species, bigheaded carps and shovelnose sturgeon, respectively, at the 73rd Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference. Results from studies show that bigheaded carps are adaptive invaders that do feed on alternative foods when planktonic choices are limited. Using discrete choice models to aid in recovery efforts for the shovelnose sturgeon in the lower Missouri River, investigation of its resource selection revealed important key habitat characteristics for the critical reproductive season. Conference details are available at <http://www.midwestfw.org/index.html>.  (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

On December 4-5, in Denver, CO, USGS scientist Dr. Robert Jacobson will brief the Governance Committee of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) <https://platteriverprogram.org/AboutPRRIP/Pages/ProgramInformation.aspx>. As a member of the PRRIP Independent Science Advisory Committee, Dr. Jacobson will discuss approaches to developing alternative flow recommendations. (Robert Jacobson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1844)

On November 26-28 at the USGS National Center, three scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will meet with scientists from the IRSTEA of France (National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture) <http://www.irstea.fr/en/home-page> to discuss environmental contaminant research including: sediment toxicology, passive samplers, natural resource restoration and ecological risk assessment. Those participating are: Dr. David Alvarez, Dr. Bethany Williams and Dr. Chris Ingersoll. In addition, discussions will proceed to find common interests for future collaboration and what next steps to take. (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

In Long Beach, CA, from November 11-15, at the 33nd annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), USGS scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present research findings on several contaminant topics including: endocrine disruption, special symposium on contaminants of emerging concern, uranium ecotoxicity risk, sediment toxicology, fish health, and inorganic atmospheric pollutants <http://longbeach.setac.org/>. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

USGS research chemist Dr. William Brumbaugh is invited to participate in an international workshop, “Bringing Together Selenga-Baikal Research”, in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 31. Dr. Brumbaugh's presentation entitled, “Survey of Water Quality and Metal Contaminants in the Selenga River Basin, August 2010, Mongolia", discusses results from studies conducted in collaboration with scientists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolia Academy of Sciences. The workshop is sponsored by the Faculty of Geography - Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal, the Centre International de l’Université d’Etat de Moscou, and the Russian Geographical Society. (William Brumbaugh, Columbia, MO  573-876-1857)

From October 15 to 26, through an International Atomic Energy Association fellowship, Carlos Enrique Valdovinos of the University de Mayor, Santiago, Chile, will train at the Columbia Environmental Research Center learning ecotoxicological techniques to detect persistent organic contaminants, heavy metals and pesticides in fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Evaluation and assessment of the toxic effects of these contaminants in seafood species, both at the individual level and at the population level will also be addressed, with application of these techniques to biomonitoring seafood contaminants. (Donald Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

In recognition of her exceptional leadership and accomplishments in natural resources for the USGS, Susan Finger of the Columbia Environmental Research Center was awarded the DOI Citation for Meritorious Service. Susan has demonstrated outstanding capabilities as a leader in ecological effects of contaminated resources and the associated damages, and serves as the Federal interagency liaison for the DOI Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) Program. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

On October 17, at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), a ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur to dedicate a new state-of-the-art science research building. This building will be dedicated to Dr. Richard A. Schoettger (1932-1995) former CERC Center Director. Dr. Marcia McNutt, USGS Director, will speak at the ceremony and participate in the ribbon-cutting prior to opening the building for tours and discussions of CERC research. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

Co-sponsored by the Academy of Science-St. Louis <http://academyofsciencestl.org/> and the St. Louis Zoo <http://www.stlzoo.org/>, USGS scientist Dr. Diana Papoulias, on October 10, will present a seminar in their Science Seminar Series. The topic is how environmental chemicals affect the health of fish and their ability to reproduce, e.g., the intersex condition, sentinels alerting society to the adverse consequences of historic and contemporary use of chemicals. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

On September 26-28, Charlotte Engel and Rock Yenta Productions, Inc., of Toronto <http://www.rockyenta.com/>, was at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center filming a television production for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The focus of this documentary is on the critical issues of invasive carps in the U.S., now nearing entry to the Great Lakes, and features principal research investigators Duane Chapman and Dr. Edward Little. The production is entitled, "Carpe Diem: A Fishy Tale," in association with CBC's popular and informative, "The Nature of Things" with David Suzuki <http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/>. This documentary is to air in September 2013 when the new CBC television season begins.

"Pallids in Purgatory", published by High Country News, features USGS scientist Dr. Patrick Braaten, research fish biologist, and Dave Fuller, fisheries technician, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The article begins with, "On the overworked Missouri River, scientists search for signs that pallid sturgeon haven't reached the end of their time." The research High Country News reports on encompasses the Upper Missouri River and the lower reaches of the Yellowstone River, with focus on the endangered pallid sturgeon and its discovered failure for young to survive. Something is happening between reproduction and the rest of their lifespan. The article is available through subscription at <http://www.hcn.org/hcn/issues/44.16/can-pallid-sturgeon-hang-on-in-the-overworked-missouri-river>.

On September 13, a public radio interview with USGS scientist Duane Chapman was broadcast by Michigan Radio, part of the National Public Radio digital network, 91.7 FM, Ann Arbor/Detroit, and 104.1 FM West Michigan, for the program, The Environment Report. The interview is entitled, "Asian Carp and the Great Lakes: What If the Carp Make a Home Here?", where Chapman speaks of the risk and probability that invasive bigheaded carps establish populations in the Great Lakes. This interview is available at: <http://www.michiganradio.org/post/asian-carp-great-lakes-what-if-carp-make-home-here-part-4>.

On September 13, a public radio interview with USGS scientist Dr. Donald Tillitt was broadcast by EarthFix, KUOW, 94.9 FM, a public media project of Oregon Public Broadcasting and Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Public Television, KCTS 9 Seattle, KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio, Northwest Public Radio and Television, Southern Oregon Public Television and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The interview concerned "Feminized Fish: A Side Effect of Emerging Contaminants", in which Dr. Tillitt speaks to the issue of the intersex condition found in smallmouth bass across the U.S., from endocrine disrupting contaminants in waste water and other sources. Access to this interview is at: <http://earthfix.kuow.org/water/article/clean-water-the-next-act-emerging-contaminants-fem/>.

Michigan Public Radio (MPR) broadcast a story by Rebecca Williams, entitled, "Crews Find 20 New Positive eDNA Hits for Asian Carp in Lake Erie", in which USGS scientist Duane Chapman is interviewed about these issues and results of the recently published Canada/U.S. binational risk assessment of invasive carp populations, reproduction and survival in the Great Lakes <http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3270>. The MPR story is available at: <http://michiganradio.org/post/crews-find-20-new-positive-edna-hits-asian-carp-lake-erie>.

In cooperation with the Institute of Public Health, Ostrava, Czech Republic, and the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, the 5th International Passive Sampling Workshop, and training, will convene in Columbia, MO, on September 11-14. The meeting focus and training is on the use of in situ passive samplers for environmental contaminant monitoring and risk assessment.  With the continued maturation of passive sampling techniques and their application, this meeting offers unique discussions regarding specific practical uses, in addition to topics related to approaches for data evaluation and use in regulatory monitoring. Workshop information is available at < http://ipsw.eu/2012/>. (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

USGS scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will travel to the Russian Academy of Science's Institute for Biology of Inland Waters in Borok, Russia, from September 4-16. The scientists will participate in a science and technology exchange program that began between the two research centers in the 1970's. During this visit, collaborative research in the areas of aquatic toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology and riparian vegetation community structure will be conducted. This long-standing science exchange program provides an excellent forum to share research approaches concerning the effects and extent of environmental contamination, as well as concepts in aquatic ecology important to managing fisheries resources. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

On August 22 and 25, in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Dan Egan's series of in-depth stories on invasive carp, USGS scientist Duane Chapman is quoted in "Deep Trouble, A High-Tech Hunt for Asian Carp: In Hunt for Asian Carp, Scientists Find DNA - and Controversy" and "Deep Trouble, A High-Tech Hunt for Asian Carp: Fish Barrier vs. Carp DNA: What to Believe?", respectively . These articles are accessible at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/in-hunt-for-asian-carp-scientists-find-dna--and-controversy-4q5ru74-166963316.html> and <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/fish-barrier-vs-carp-dna-what-to-believe-4q5ru75-167454795.html>.

On August 27-29, Dr. Andrey Reshetnikov of the Ecology and Evolution Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, will visit the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, to collaborate and exchange information on invasive fish research and investigation techniques. During his visit, Dr. Reshetnikov will present a seminar entitled, "Expansion of the Invasive Fish, Perccottus glenii: The Past, The Present and The Future", details of an invasive fish in Lake Baikal, Baltic, Black Sea, Caspian Sea and White Sea Basins . (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

On August 21 and again on August 22, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in newspaper articles regarding invasive carp research, their biology and issues concerning the current spread throughout the surface waters of the Mississippi River Basin. The articles are: "High-Tech Hunt for Asian Carp Scientists Find DNA - and Controversy", in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Dan Egan; and "Biologists Refining Attack on Asian Carp" in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, MN; accessible online, respectively: <http://bit.ly/NfvBuH> and <http://bit.ly/Q3xkms>.

"More Water Samples Show Asian Carp DNA in Chicago Canal System" written by Dan Egan appearing in the Journal Sentinel of Milwaukee, WI, quotes USGS scientist Duane Chapman about where the bigheaded carps may congregate. This article is available at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/more-water-samples-show-asian-carp-dna-in-chicago-canal-system-2j5ulqh-160749335.html>.

USGS scientist Dr. Donald Tillitt is invited to participate in a comprehensive evaluation of contaminants in the Selenga River Basin of Mongolia, a transboundary river system whose flow contributes nearly half of the water to Lake Baikal in Russia. The Russian Academy of Sciences, in conjunction with the Ministry of Nature and Environment of Mongolia, asked Dr. Tillitt of the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, to assist in a contaminant evaluation and provide expertise designing the assessment studies. From June 17 - July 5, Dr. Tillitt will participate in this joint study of these two countries to evaluate contaminant pathways and effects on biota, providing better understanding of contaminant loads entering Lake Baikal. (Don Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

The endangered desert pupfish, a small fish with broad adaptations to a harsh environment, once common in the southwest is now extirpated from the majority of its range. Through the years pupfish succumbed to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as non-native fish invasives, but little is known about its sensitivity to environmental contaminants. Recent studies conducted by the USGS indicate that this rare species is relatively insensitive to selenium contamination, unlike other fish and wildlife, but do exhibit a drop in egg production to this well known contaminant in western agricultural irrigation drain waters. Results of these studies are now released in a USGS report entitled, "Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Selenium During a Life-Cycle Exposure with Desert Pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius)", by Dr. John Besser et al., accessible at <http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5033/>. Conclusions indicate that additional studies are needed to determine the role of egg production in the maintenance and recovery of these pupfish populations. (John Besser, Columbia, MO  573-876-1818)

On April 30, CBS News Money Watch ran an article, Flooding Disperses Invasive Plant, Fish Species, with quotes from USGS scientist Duane Chapman about invasive carp in U.S. waters that spread during last year's flooding of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This AP article is available at <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57423989/flooding-disperses-invasive-plant-fish-species/>.

On April 5, in VOX Magazine of the Columbia Missourian newspaper in Columbia, MO, USGS scientists were featured in a story about invasive carp research and problems in the Missouri River and its tributaries. "The Battle Against Invasive Species Rages On" is available at  <http://www.voxmagazine.com/stories/2012/04/05/attack-killer-species/>.

Just released online for "early view" in the Journal of Applied Ichthyology, is a manuscript by USGS scientist Dr. Patrick Braaten, detailing the first assessment of natural growth and diet of young, endangered pallid sturgeon in the wild, pallids released as free embryos and larvae starting in 2004, in the upper Missouri River and the lower Yellowstone River. Results show growth through six years that may also be expected for naturally produced wild pallids under current habitat conditions in this region, an area that spans eastern Montana and western North Dakota. (Patrick Braaten, Glasgow, MT  406-526-3253)

From March 13-16, scientists and stakeholders from around the U.S. will convene in Pierre, SD, for the 2012 Missouri River Natural Resources Committee Conference. Several scientists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center will present research findings including: endangered pallid sturgeon aging techniques of wild individuals, GIS mapping of genetic data for pallid stocking plans, effects of persistent organic pollutants to surrogate sturgeon embryos, and understanding pallid behavior and ecology through remote sensing using data storage tags. Information on this conference and presentation abstracts are available at <http://mrnrc2012.com/>. (Aaron DeLonay, Columbia, MO  573-876-1878)

On January 29, USGS scientist, Dr. Patrick Braaten, was featured in the Montana Water News in an in-depth story on sturgeon and research conducted on the endangered pallid sturgeon. The Montana Water News is a publication of the Montana Water Center, a part of the Montana State University in Bozeman. This article is available at <http://water.montana.edu/mwnewsletter/archives/newsletter_12_01.htm>.

On January 23, Duane Chapman was quoted in the Sandusky Register, OH, in an article entitled, "Asian Carp Would Thrive in Lake Erie". This news article is based on the January 5 publication in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, authored by USGS scientists P.M. Kocovsky, D.C. Chapman and J.E. McKenna, where invasive carp were examined as to whether they could successfully spawn in the rivers that feed into Lake Erie, taking into consideration whether the water is warm enough and other factors. This news article is available at <http://www.sanduskyregister.com/news/2012/jan/22/fishstudy011811tjxml>. (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866).

The Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) <http://www.palmyraresearch.org/> convenes in Palo Alto, CA, for a January 12-13 research planning meeting. The USGS is an inaugural member of PARC, which includes Stanford University; The Scripps Research Institute; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Hawaii, Manoa; American Museum of Natural History; and Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The Nature Conservancy and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation act as advisors and partners to PARC. Dr. Carl Orazio, USGS environmental chemist, is co-chair of PARC and its Operations Committee.  Research and operations of the USFWS Palmyra Atoll National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will be discussed. (Carl Orazio, Columbia, MO  573-876-1823)

In Boston, MA, from November 14-17, at the 32nd annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, USGS scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present research findings on several contaminant topics including: endocrine disruption, emerging contaminants, metals toxicity, endangered species sensitivities, nitrogen pollution, sediment toxicology, fish health, persistent organic pollutants, remediation and ecological restoration <http://boston.setac.org/>. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

From October 31 to November 11, Dr. Roger Chong will visit the Columbia Environmental Research Center to interact with the biochemistry scientists about indicators of fish health, including histologic and molecular. Dr. Chong is from the government Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory in Queensland, Australia, working as the principal veterinary officer for aquatic animal biosecurity <http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2897.htm>. (Donald Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

As a result of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting oil spill, natural resource trustees—state and federal agencies—initiated a formal Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA).  A symposium will convene on November 2-4, to discuss NRDA for the Gulf, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. USGS scientist Dr. David Alvarez will present the benefits and considerations related to use of passive samplers in these complex environmental situations. Details of the Gulf symposium are available at <http://www.aqua.org/symposium-about.html>. (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

Beginning October 16, the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will host five Russian scientists from the I.D. Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters (IBIW), Borok, Russia, of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The science exchange program between IBIW and CERC nears 40 continuous years, with senior, junior and student scientists participating. The Russian scientists in this two week exchange are involved in effects of contaminant exposure at the cellular level; genomic molecular techniques; factors affecting large river fish reproduction, movements and habitat use; and vegetation community classification and development. The IBIW is located in the Nekouz district of the Yaroslavl region, 400 km (~250 miles) north of Moscow <http://ibiw.ru/>. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

Now available online is the latest invasive carp USGS science investigations report entitled, "Developmental Rate and Behavior of Early Life Stages of Bighead Carp and Silver Carp". Understanding these factors is essential for development of models to evaluate risk that bigheaded carps could successfully use tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes for spawning and recruitment. <http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2011/5076/pdf/sir2011-5076.pdf> (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

Recently published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is a critical manuscript about freshwater mussel sensitivity to copper and its relationship to the current Water Quality Criteria, regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The paper entitled, "Influence of Dissolved Organic Carbon on Toxicity of Copper to a Unionid Mussel (Villosa iris) and a Cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia dubia) in Acute and Chronic Water Exposures", authored by USGS scientist Dr. Ning Wang and colleagues, represents an efficacious cooperative effort between industry, academia and government, to better understand what factors are influencing the precipitous decline in freshwater mussel populations around the world, but markedly so in North America where diversity is the greatest. (Ning Wang, Columbia, MO  573-441-2946)

Road dust consists of solid particulate matter from various sources and is produced by facilities or construction sites, among many others. Dust emissions are required by federal law to be controlled for the prevention of contamination or damage to humans and the environment. Although chemical dust control on unpaved roads is becoming increasingly popular, the toxicity of applied chemical dust suppressants is not fully understood. Dust suppressants may negatively affect roadside plants, wildlife and water quality. At the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation <http://www.icoet.net/ICOET_2011/> in Seattle, WA, August 21-25, USGS scientist Dr. Bethany Williams will present findings on the potential toxicity of 15 dust suppressants studied under laboratory and field conditions. Results of these toxicity studies will ultimately aid road managers as they select effective and environmentally responsible dust control products. (Bethany Williams, Columbia, MO  573-441-2998)

Dr. Donald Tillitt, USGS scientist, will give a plenary paper on "Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Agricultural Chemicals and the Adverse Health Effects on Freshwater Fish", at the 44th Erice International Seminars on Planetary Emergencies, World Federation of Scientists, in Erice, Sicily, August 19-25. "The Role of Science in the Third Millennium" is the umbrella title for workshops of this federation that will focus on climate, information security, energy, water and pollution, and energy and pollution. The goal for the workshop on water pollution, one of the identified planetary emergencies, is to bring world experts together to discuss the sources, effects and mitigation strategies of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in drinking water and wastewater. (Donald Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in a Michigan Live article on invasive carp, in an interview with Detroit Free Press journalist, Tina Lam.
http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/08/asian_carp_perhaps_not_so_thre.html

Michigan Live (online) published "Asian Carp: Perhaps Not So Threatening to the Great Lakes After All?", where USGS scientist Duane Chapman was referenced and research results given on percent of carp per sample from the Missouri River basin <http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2011/08/asian_carp_perhaps_not_so_thre.html>.

USGS scientist Duane Chapman is mentioned in Switchboard, the Natural Resource Defense Council Staff Blog, "Fishing for an Asian Carp Needle in a Haystack". eDNA. <http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/tcmar/fishing_for_an_asian_carp_need.html>

Cyanobacteria is a phylum of bacteria (aka blue-green algae) that obtain their energy through photosynthesis and can be found in almost every conceivable environment. Some produce toxins, called cyanotoxins, which are toxic to the nervous system and liver, among other effects. To better understand linkages between cyanobacterial blooms, toxicity and human health impacts, a three-day science workshop is convening at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, on August 4-6 <http://www.bowdoin.edu/earth-oceanographic-science/workshops/index.shtml>. USGS scientist Dr. Kathy Echols of the Columbia Environmental Research Center, will present findings on microcystins, a cyanobacterial liver toxin, and its effects on endangered suckers of Klamath Lake. (Kathy Echols, Columbia, MO  573-876-1838)

Starting on July 17, "The Truth About Asian Carp", a six-part news documentary series by Tina Lam of the Detroit Free Press was released <http://www.freep.com/article/20110717/NEWS06/307170001>. These online multimedia articles features invasive species research and public sentiment on the Asian carp. Part of the articles focus on the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center and fisheries scientist, Duane Chapman and colleagues. In addition to these articles, Chapman was also featured in an online web chat with the Detroit Free Press on July 20, a Q&A interview on invasive carp issues and the Great Lakes <http://www.freep.com/article/20110717/OPINION05/110715050/Web-chat-today-noon-Experts-take-your-questions-about-Asian-carp?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cs>.

On July 19, in Chicago, IL, at the Coastal Zone 2011 Conference <http://www.doi.gov/initiatives/CZ11/index.htm>, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center scientists, Duane Chapman and Dr. Karthik Masagounder, will present current research findings on multiple proposed factors that may limit or allow carp invasion, and results of a study evaluating a validation of a fish bioenergetics model where laboratory food consumption and growth rate of the invasive carps were applied. The Coastal Zone conferences are international, biennial events for government, academia, nonprofit organizations and industry to discuss issues facing our world's oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes. (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

On July 05, USGS scientists Dr. Robb Jacobson and Carrie Elliot were featured in a news article from the Columbia Missourian entitled, "Scientist Questions Flood Benefits of Public Lands Along Missouri River". Public lands along the Missouri River don't soak up nearly as much floodwater as previously believed. At least that's the initial conclusion of Robb Jacobson, who has studied the river for two decades. The idea of publicly managed wetlands warding off big floods was "wishful thinking," he said, and couldn't be backed by science. "For large floods, unless we have a lot more of these flood plains and wetlands, it's unlikely they'll store a big enough volume to attenuate the flood," Jacobson said. "Locally, they'll have an effect. But systematically, they won't."  http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/07/05/columbia-usgs-evaluates-effectiveness-public-land-reducing-flood-severity/

From July 11-22, the USGS Columbia Environmental;l Research Center will conduct a food drive as part of the Feds Feed Families campaign. The donated food items will be given to the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. Summer months are critical to help the Food Bank, because children are not in school feeding programs during this time, the Food Bank provides food through "Summer Food 4 Kids". (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

From July 11-14, scientists from around the world will meet at Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia, for the international conference on sturgeon and paddlefish, with emphasis on these fishes recovery. Scientists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will present recent findings on the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon of the lower Missouri River, from Gavins Point Dam, SD, to the confluence with the Mississippi River at St. Louis, MO. These findings include the most current information on the pallid's ecological requirements and reproductive ecology, and results of tracking migration pathways and spawning locations. Also presented is how the extensive amount of sturgeon data is managed by a relational database called SIMS (Sturgeon Information Management System), a central platform for all research cooperators and partners. The SIMS was developed at CERC by scientist Kimberly Chojnaki, so that rapid querying, charting and data mapping occurs to provide visualization of sturgeon movement and habitat use through space and near real-time. <http://www.viu.ca/sturgeon/docs/NACWSCS2011NanaimoMeetingDraftAgenda.pdf> (Aaron DeLonay, Columbia, MO  573-876-1878)

Just released as a special symposium publication, by the American Fisheries Society, is the book Invasive Asian Carps of North America, co-edited and co-authored by USGS scientist Duane Chapman of the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO. This book examines the history, biology and status of Asian carps, reviews current research on control measures and factors influencing recruitment and spread, habitat requirements, diet overlap and potential competition between invasive carps and native fishes, and the use of pheromones as controls. ISBN: 978-1-934874-23-3 (Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

On June 10, the Associated Press released news featuring USGS CERC scientist Duane Chapman, which was entitled, "Mississippi Flooding May Have Spread Asian Carp."  The following links are known news outlets that ran the story:

TIME.com
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2076901,00.html
Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, CA
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/10/3690989/mississippi-flooding-may-have.html
Washington Post, Washington, D.C.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/some-experts-fear-mississippi-river-flooding-may-have-spread-invasive-asian-carp-downstream/2011/06/10/AGhaucOH_story.html
Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-mississippi-flooding-may-have-spread-asian-carp-20110610,0,5800481.story?track=rss
ABC 7 TV, Chicago, IL
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=8183527
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, MO
http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/article_bfd30386-ba9e-511c-b37b-903e8b64cf8f.html
Times Union, Albany, NY
http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Mississippi-flooding-may-have-spread-invasive-fish-1418791.php
Bloomberg Businessweek.com
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NP62P80.htm
LiveScience.com
http://www.livescience.com/14552-mississippi-flooding-asian-carp.html
Newsday.com
http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/mississippi-flooding-may-have-spread-invasive-fish-1.2946409
Daily Reporter, Greenfield, IN
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/eafba05054994957b4ea30d9777b4d12/LA--River-Flooding-Asian-Carp/
GreenAnswers.com
http://greenanswers.com/news/244129/recent-mississippi-floods-disperse-asian-carp-new-areas
Boston Globe, Boston, MA
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2011/06/11/floods_may_widen_spread_of_invasive_carp/

On June 2, in the Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, USGS scientist Duane Chapman, was quoted in an article by Tina Lam, about the potential of invasive carp establishing populations in the Great Lakes: "Researchers: Western Lake Erie Could Support Growth of Asian Carp." This article is available at: <http://www.freep.com/article/20110602/NEWS06/110602007/Researchers-Western-Lake-Erie-good-home-Asian-carp?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE>.

On June 1, in the Columbia Missourian, Columbia, MO, USGS scientist Robert Jacobson, was quoted in an article by Anthony Schick, about forecasted flood levels on the Missouri River: "Record Precipitation, Reservoir Releases to Cause Missouri River Flooding." The article is available at: <http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/06/01/record-precipitation-reservoir-releases-cause-missouri-river-flooding/>.

Upcoming on May 27, 7:00pm (CDT), the National Geographic Channel (TV) will broadcast, "HOOKED: Carp Invasion". The Columbia Environmental Research Center filming occurred two years ago, featuring USGS scientist Duane Chapman, but is just now airing. Another showing will be on June 3, at 6:00pm (CDT). Details are available at: <http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/hooked/4261/Overview>.

The 2011 Pollutant Responses in Marine Organisms (PRIMO) conference <http://www.visitlongbeach.com/primo>, it's 30-year anniversary, will be held in Long Beach, CA, on May 15-18. USGS scientist Diana Papoulias will present research findings on the effects of exposure of fish to estrogenic chemicals in long-term studies up to 18 months. Results indicate that feminization of males did not occur, a conundrum given that reproduction was expected to be affected and an intersex condition expressed. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

"Fish and Chips: Implanted Transmitters Help Map the Endangered Pallid Sturgeon," written by Kimberly Chojnacki and Aaron DeLonay, was published in GeoWorld magazine. The article features sturgeon research conducted at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, specifically tracking the endangered pallid sturgeon in the muddy Missouri River. This research is in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The full article is available at: <http://read.dmtmag.com/issue/29869>. (Kimberly Chojnacki, Columbia, MO  573-441-2990)

In Outdoor News, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was featured in an article, "Thoughts on Asian Carp with Duane Chapman, the 'Carp Guy'". Excerpt: Duane Chapman, a USGS researcher, has devoted a solid portion of his career to studying the current effects and potential long-term impacts of Asian carp on places like Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. This article is available at: <http://outdoornews.com/asiancarp/pdf/pdf_652ab16c-772b-11e0-a30c-001cc4c03286.html>.

USGS ecologist, Dr. Esther Stroh, is invited to participate in a Network of Practitioners for Large Landscape Conservation, sponsored by the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy in Cambridge, MA, from May 17-19. The select group, from around the U.S., will meet for the first time and represents scientists, resource managers, ranchers, and members of nonprofit organizations involved in some aspect of collaborative, landscape-level science or conservation. Dr. Stroh was selected because of her work in the Ozark Highlands and with the Ozark Partnership <http://ozarks.cr.usgs.gov/>. The formation of this special group is a recommendation from a 2009 National Policy Dialogue, "Toward a National Landscape Conservation Strategy," available at <http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/1808_Large-Landscape-Conservation>. (Esther Stroh, Columbia, MO  573-441-2944)

Dr. Bethany Williams, USGS biologist, was recently appointed to the Ecology and Transportation Committee, National Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Science. The TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council— a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academies in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The TRB conducts studies at the request of Congress, executive-branch federal agencies, the states, and other organizations on an array of complex and often controversial transportation topics of national significance. (Bethany Williams, Columbia, MO  573-441-2998)

The USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), Columbia, MO, on May 2-4, will host a visit by Steve Glomb, the Acting Director of the DOI Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment. This office oversees Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) cases across the nation. CERC coordinates USGS science support for these cases, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Steve Glomb will be discussing on-going studies as well as future DOI needs in restoration science. (Susan Finger, Columbia, MO  573-876-1850)

On March 26, in the Journal Sentinel of Milwaukee, WI, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in an article by Dan Egan entitled, "Corps Acknowledges Fish Barrier Won't Repel All Asian Carp: Critics Push for Way to Keep Invaders from Great Lakes". This article about the invasive carp nearing entry to the Great Lakes is available at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/118657619.html>.

On April 6-7 in Chicago, IL, at Region 5 EPA, sponsored by the International Joint Commission (IJC), is a strategy planning workshop for monitoring contaminants of emerging concern in the Great Lakes Basin, the earth's largest system of fresh water. The binational workshop attendees are from an IJC Multi-Board Work Group that includes Dr. Don Tillitt of the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center. The strategy developed will address contaminant exposure and ecological effects to the Great Lakes ecosystem from pollutants of multiple, dispersive and non-point sources. (Don Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

On March 24th in Washington, D.C., Dr. Diana Papoulias, CERC research fish biologist, provided a presentation on USGS's global climate change activities along the US/Mexico border to the Good Neighbor Environment Board. The GNEB is a presidential advisory board of representatives from government, industry, and academia that provides an annual report on environmental issues affecting human communities in the borderlands. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

The 2011 Missouri River Natural Resources Committee Conference is March 9-11, in Nebraska City, NE, entitled, "The Missouri River: On the Road to Recovery". Scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present Missouri River Basin research findings that cover topics related to the endangered pallid sturgeon, including habitat and behavior, tributary usage, energetics, migration pathways, 10-year summary report of the Fort Peck Flow Modification Project, floodplain vegetation and hydrology, and modeling potential climate change impacts. Details for this conference are available at: <http://www.mrnrc2011.com/>. (Robert Jacobson, Columbia, MO  573-8761844)

On February 28, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in two news articles regarding invasive carp nearing entry to the Great Lakes. In the Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, by Dan Egan is, "Army Corps to Release Carp Barrier Study Soon" accessible at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/117100853.html>, and in the Natural Resource Defense Council Switchboard by Thom Cmar is, "Update: Army Corps Announces Release of Electric Fish Fence Report", accessible at: <http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/tcmar/update_army_corps_announces_re.html>.

USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in an article on invasive carp nearing entry to the Great Lakes, which appeared in the Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI. The article is entitled, "No Rush Job on Carp Study," and can be accessed at: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/116419819.html

On February 23, in Homestead, FL, USGS research chemist, Dr. David Alvarez, will present techniques for the sampling and analysis of emerging pollutants as part of a week-long training course for the University of Florida faculty at the Tropical Research and Education Center. The purpose of this course is to aid faculty in keeping abreast of the latest changes in water quality monitoring programs so they can relate this information back to their students, and in addition, to explore potential collaborations. More information on this course is available at:  http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ufwq2/index.htm    (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

At the upcoming Missouri River Relief speaker's series on February 8, in Rocheport, MO, USGS fluvial geomorphologist, Dr. Robert Jacobson, will present a talk about sediment flow in the Missouri River. Most of the changes humans have made to the Missouri River have affected the flow of sediment through the system, a complex issue for a river named for its sediment flow, The Big Muddy. Dr. Jacobson's presentation is also accompanied with a talk given by Dr. David Galat, University of Missouri, on policy development of what the sediment means in this river.  http://j.mp/fH5EuW 

USGS scientist Duane Chapman appeared in a news article from FIS United States, "Invasive Carp Now on the Menu". A YouTube video was highlighted showing Duane cleaning the invasives for food preparation, "Flying Fish, Great Dish", a video created in cooperation with the USGS, Sea Grant and LSU Ag Center Research and Extension . This article is accessible at: http://j.mp/eOXuKS

On December 9, and December 10, an interview with Mark Wildhaber, USGS scientist, aired on KBIA 91.3 FM (NPR affiliate in Columbia, MO) discussing effects of climate change on sturgeon populations in the Missouri River. This interview was broadcast from "Under the Microscope", a science oriented news program for radio <http://bit.ly/f7uLXp>.

"Though fish with both male and female sexual characteristics have been observed throughout the world in the past decade, the Missouri River intersex sturgeon are unusual."  from the Columbia Missourian at: http://bit.ly/hcUVCu

On December 4, Duane Chapman, USGS scientist was quoted in an article by the Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, entitled, "Lakes Adrift: Invasions Demand Leadership, Action," detailing threats facing the Great Lakes by invasive species. This news article is accessible at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/111329919.html>.

"Bridging Science with Communities", the 31st annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, will be held on November 7-11 in Portland, OR. Scientists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center will present research findings on the toxicity of herbicides and chlorine to Kootinai River white sturgeon, nickel toxicity and bioavailability, toxicity of coal-associated contaminants to mussels, amphibian sensitivity to nitrates and ammonia, toxicity of dust suppressants, contaminants in the Lower Columbia River, water quality guidelines for copper and ammonia for land application of biosolids, toxicity of produced waters from coalbed natural gas production, and mercury bioaccumulation and transfer in biota of the Ozark Plateau region. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

On October 25, in the Columbia Daily Tribune, the Columbia Environmental Research Center was featured in a story about research conducted on invasive carp populations and control. Scientists highlighted in this story were Robin Calfee, Duane Chapman and Ed Little. Fish Give Biologists a Challenge is available at: <http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2010/oct/25/fish-give-biologists-a-challenge/>.

The USGS just released a new Open File Report (OFR) detailing the studies and results of the 2009 pallid sturgeon research at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. This OFR 2010-1215 was prepared in cooperation with the Missouri River Recovery–Integrated Science Program U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Yankton, SD, and is authored by Aaron DeLonay, Robert Jacobson, Diana Papoulias, Mark Wildhaber, Kim Chojnacki, Emily Pherigo, Casey Bergthold, and Gerald Mestl. The "Ecological Requirements for Pallid Sturgeon Reproduction and Recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual Report 2009" is accessible at: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1215/>.

On October 8,  distinguished scientists Dr. Terry Collins and Dr. Pete Myers will visit the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) to discuss on-going CERC research on endocrine disruption and become acquainted with the research staff. Dr. Collins is senior member of the Institute for Green Science at Carnegie Mellon University <http://www.chem.cmu.edu/groups/collins/about/members/collins.html>, and Dr. Myers is Chief Scientist with Environmental Health Sciences, and co-author of the noteworthy book on endocrine disruption entitled, Our Stolen Future. (Carl Orazio, Columbia, MO  573-876-1823)

From September 29 to present, numerous news media sources quoted USGS scientist Duane Chapman in articles about invasive carps entering the Great Lakes and the potential adverse ecological changes. These news stories are accessible on the Columbia Environmental Research Center's web at: http://www.cerc.usgs.gov/WhatsNew.aspx?ContentId=327 (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

The third Ozark Summit, will convene in Tahlequah, OK, on October 19-21, bringing together the USGS, NPS, FWS, BIA, BLM, FS, EPA, NRCS and ACOE to discuss, "Living on Karst: Sustainable Management of Ozark Ecosystems". Esther Stroh, Columbia Environmental Research Center scientist again participated on the planning committee for this partnership summit. Primary partnership goals with the federal agencies, states, tribes, academia, conservation organizations, businesses and landowners are to more effectively use resources by coordinating landscape-scale research and management of Ozark ecosystems, on which many local communities and economies depend. Topics covered at the summit include: land management, public involvement, water quality, and caves and karst. More information is available at: <http://ozarks.cr.usgs.gov/ozark_summit_2010.htm>. (Esther Stroh, Columbia, MO  573-441-2944)

Chris Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center toxicologist, was featured in  VOX Magazine's "On the Job" series. VOX is published by the Columbia Missourian newspaper, which is affiliated with the University of Missouri, staffed by Missouri School of Journalism students who do the reporting, and directed by professional editors. The magazine article is available at: <http://www.voxmagazine.com/stories/2010/09/23/job-aquatic-toxicologist/>.

Scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center are part of a governmental team conducting research to determine if culturally important plants, animals and sediment of the Penobscot River in Maine are contaminated with toxic pollutants. The Penobscot Indian Nation is concerned with river contamination and pollutant impact on tribal health and cultural practices. A meeting will be held at the Penobscot Indian Nation Department of Natural Resources on October 14-15, in Bangor, ME, to discuss results of the pollutant study. The Penobscot Department of Natural Resources web is accessible at: <http://www.penobscotnation.org/DNR/DNR1.htm>. (Carl Orazio, Columbia, MO  573-876-1823)

Beginning September 14 and running for three months, the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) is hosting a Korean biotechnology student through the International Leadership, Excellence and Professionalism (I-LEAP) program with the University of Missouri Asian Affairs Center. During his visit, Younghan "Justin" Yu will circulate through the science branches at CERC getting diverse and hands-on science experience. More information about the I-LEAP program is available at: <http://www.aacmiti.com/pages/miti_006.php>. (Robin Calfee, Columbia, MO  573-441-2969)

On September 17 at 10:00am, the Columbia Environmental Research Center is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction start of a state-of-the-art office and laboratory facility, and in addition, outdoor aquatic research facilities will be renovated as part of the one-year construction project. Funding for the effort is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, with design and construction activities anticipated to employ more than 100 Missourians. (Marcia K Nelson, Columbia, MO  573-876-1875)

Participating in a continuous 38-year science exchange program with the Russian I.D. Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters (IBIW), four scientists of the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center from September 2-10, will interact with Russian counterparts at IBIW. Dr. Cathy Richter, Dr. Pat Braaten, Aaron DeLonay and Dr. Esther Stroh are involved in ongoing projects that encompass genomic molecular techniques, sturgeon biology and population dynamics, and a new endeavor of comparing U.S. and Russian approaches to hierarchical classification of riparian vegetation types. IBIW of the  Russian Academy of Sciences is located in Borok, the Nekouz district of the Yaroslavl region, 400 km (~250 miles) north of Moscow <http://ibiw.ru/>. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

CERC scientist, Duane Chapman, is featured in a Columbia Missourian article, "Carp Big Hazard for MR340 Racer", detailing how these invasive carp are dangerous to boaters. The article is accessible at: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/08/25/carp-big-hazard-mr340-racer/

CERC scientist, Jo Ellen Hinck, is featured in a Santa Fe Reporter article, "Rise of the She-Fish?", stating that scientists want to know if Rio Grande contaminants are feminizing the endangered silvery minnow. This article is accessible at: http://npaper-wehaa.com/santa-fe-reporter/2010/08/25/s1/#?article=985331

Scientists from the USGS are invited to participate in a comprehensive evaluation of contaminants in the Selenga River Basin of Mongolia, a transboundary river system whose flow contributes nearly half of the water to Lake Baikal in Russia. The Russian Academy of Sciences, in conjunction with the Ministry of Nature and Environment of Mongolia, asked Dr. Don Tillitt and Dr. Bill Brumbaugh of the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, to assist in the contaminant evaluation and provide expertise designing the assessment studies. This cooperation is from August 22 - September 9, including attendance in the 30th Anniversary Symposium of the Russian-Mongolian Environmental Exchange Program from September 6-8, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. (Don Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

USGS scientist, Duane Chapman, is quoted in a Time Magazine article released online August 12, entitled "Invasive Species: Catchin' Some Asian Carp" by Bryan Walsh, regarding invasive carps nearing entry to the Great Lakes. This article is accessible at: http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/2010/08/10/invasive-species-catchin-some-asian-carp/

Starting on August 15, Rip S. Shively begins working as the Center Director for the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC), Columbia, Missouri. Rip began his federal career in 1990 with the Western Fisheries Research Center at the Columbia River Research Laboratory, studying anadromous juvenile salmonids in the lower Columbia River, then on to Klamath Falls Field Station studying endangered fish species. His recent position was Bureau Approving Official for Biology in the USGS Central Region, having moved to Columbia, Missouri in 2008. (Carl Orazio, Columbia, MO  573-876-1823)

The USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) was mentioned in an article by the Neosho Daily News (Neosho, Missouri) where several agencies teamed up at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery to give endangered pallid sturgeon a better chance for survival. The team tagged and recorded data for 7,950 fish, to be stocked next week in the Missouri River at nursery sites, where the fish will hopefully return to spawn on their own. Participants from CERC included: Emily Pherigo, Joe Helming and Becky Welly. This article is available at: <http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x1137372188/Team-busy-tagging-sturgeon-at-hatchery>.

On July 19, 35 scientists from around the world attending the International Association of Astacology (IAA) Symposium held on the University of Missouri campus toured the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC). Anne Allert, USGS CERC scientist, lead the committee organizing this international conference dedicated to the global study, conservation and wise utilization of freshwater crayfish. Allert's research demonstrates that crayfish are adversely affected by mining practices and heavy metal exposure in the Lead Belt area of southeast Missouri. Crayfish play a critically integral role in stream ecology, a keystone species that are prey for fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, and themselves omnivorous. (Contact: Anne Allert, Columbia, MO  573-876-1903)

Starting July 18 at 9pm (CDT), the National Geographic Channel will premiere its new series, "Monster Fish", in which the first episode is "Flying Carp" that features USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center scientists conducting invasive species research.

On July 2, Michael Mac retires after 37 years of dedication and accomplishment in service with the Department of the Interior. Dr. Mac began as a fishery biologist in Michigan with the USFWS and retires as the Center Director for the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center.

Recently, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was interviewed by two National Public Radio (NPR) stations regarding the ecological dangers of invasive Asian carp entering the Great Lakes: 1) on June 24, WKSU in Kent, OH (Kent State University NPR affiliate) broadcast an interview, "Asian Carp Found Six Miles from Lake Michigan." This audio story was aired across northeast Ohio and is available at: <http://www.wksu.org/news/story/25726>; and 2) on June 27, an interview with Chapman by Guy Raz, the weekend host of NPR News "All Things Considered", was conducted for national broadcast, "The Dangers of Asian Carp in Great Lakes"; audio story and its transcript are both available at: <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128149009>.

On June 24, News/Talk WJR 760 AM Radio (Detroit, MI) with Frank Beckmann conducted a live phone-interview with USGS scientist Duane Chapman regarding ecological issues that surround the invasive bighead carp caught on June 23, past the Great Lakes electric barrier system.

A reporter from the WALO 1240 AM news radio in Humacao, Puerto Rico, has established a date (July 1 at 2:00pm CDT) to do a live phone-interview in Spanish with USGS scientist Diana Papoulias. Producers of this daily science and environment radio program are interested in the research conducted at CERC on fish exposed to the commonly used herbicide atrazine, which caused reduced spawning and other reproductive effects (see USGS Press Release, May 19, 2010  http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2467).

On May 30, the Columbia Daily Tribune of Columbia, MO, featured USGS biochemist Dr. Don Tillitt in a news story about the popular herbicide atrazine reducing reproduction in fish at concentrations lower than the U.S. EPA threshold. This article entitled, "Work Shows Atrazine's Potential Harm," is accessible at: <http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2010/may/30/work-shows-atrazines-potential-harm/>

On May 26, USGS fisheries biologist Duane Chapman was interviewed by Benjamin Turquet of "ZED", a film production company based in Paris, France <http://www.zed.fr> regarding the invasive carps, bighead and silver. ZED is currently developing a TV documentary series about animals conquering new territories who cause environmental problems or disrupt human activities. This series "Les Conquérants" will air by the French-German channel Arte in Europe and channels in North America. Each episode of this series will focus on one species, explaining its biology, behavior, problems it causes, scientific research and efforts to control its population.

On May 19, the USGS released news about an online "In Press" publication from the journal Aquatic Toxicology authored by CERC scientists Dr. Don Tillitt, Dr. Diana Papoulias, Dr. Jeff Whyte (University of Missouri, Biomedical Sciences) and Dr. Cathy Richter. The results reveal that substantial reproductive effects were observed at concentrations below the USEPA water-quality guideline for the herbicide atrazine. Atrazine, one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world, was shown to affect reproduction of fish at concentrations commonly found in agricultural streams and rivers. These exposures caused reduced reproduction and spawning, as well as tissue abnormalities in laboratory studies with fathead minnows, a surrogate species often used in aquatic toxicity testing. This press release is available at: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2467

On May 23-June 8, USGS scientist Ning Wang travels to China to present research at the international meeting of SETAC Asia-Pacific (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) in Guangzhou. In addition, Dr. Wang will give invited research talks to scientists at two Chinese research facilities in Shanghai and Wuhan, and to discuss continued and potential collaboration. The research in discussion is about freshwater mussel toxicity test methods developed at the Columbia Environmental Research Center and used to assay several types of pollutants including ammonia, mining wastes and heavy metals. Freshwater mussels, in critical decline around the world, are very sensitive to some contaminants and can be used as protective surrogates for developing water and sediment quality criteria. (Ning Wang, Columbia, MO  573-441-2946)

On April 26, USGS scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in, "Asian Carp Fix: Just Eat It," an article in the Wall Street Journal, accessible at: <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704388304575202612308114130.html>.

Commonly Used Herbicide Affects Fish Reproduction: Atrazine, the widely used herbicide, has been shown to affect the hormonal axis in certain vertebrate species, but few studies have examined reproductive effects of this chemical on fish. In the journal Aquatic Toxicology, is a recently accepted for publication manuscript entitled, "Atrazine Reduces Reproduction in Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)," authored by Donald Tillitt et al., using egg production, in conjunction with gonad development and hormone production as biochemical and biological evaluation tools to assess fathead minnow exposure to atrazine. Total egg production was lower (19-39 %) in all atrazine-exposed groups, including environmentally relevant concentrations, as compared to the non atrazine-exposed fish, as well as reduced numbers of spawning events, and gonad abnormalities in both male and female fish. The reproductive effects observed in this study warrant further investigation and evaluation of the potential risks posed by atrazine, particularly feral populations of fish from streams in agricultural areas with high use of this herbicide. (Contact: Donald Tillitt, Columbia, MO  573-876-1886)

On April 22, 17 elementary and middle school students attended the "job shadowing" work day at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Activities included trying on and using safety gear, chemical chromatography demonstration, collecting aquatic pond life, viewing life through a microscope, extracting DNA from strawberries, learning about invasive fish and tracking fish with radio transmitters. (Contact: Carl Orazio, Columbia, MO  573-876-1823)

On April 6 at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, USGS scientist Duane Chapman will speak to an august audience of scholars, journalists, public administrators and others on the  current issue of invasive Asian carps nearing entry to the Great Lakes. Other speakers include: an Associate of the Metropolitan Planning Council, USEPA, the Director of the Aquatic Conservation at the University of Notre Dame, and the Director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. The "Asian Carp Invasion: Potential Economic and Ecological Impacts in the Great Lakes" session is a collaborative project of the University of Chicago and funded in part by the McCormick Foundation. (Contact: Duane Chapman, Columbia, MO  573-876-1866)

USGS scientist, Dr. Christopher Ingersoll, received the highest, most prestigious award given in ASTM International <http://www.astm.org>, one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. The Award of Merit was established in 1949 by the ASTM International Board of Directors and is the highest society award granted to an individual member for distinguished service and outstanding participation in ASTM International committee activities. Recipients also receive the honorary title of Fellow. Dr. Ingersoll's participation in and leadership of the Committee E47 Biological Effects and Environmental Fate extends back to 1980, and he is currently the chair of E47.03 on Sediment Assessment. (Contact: Christopher Ingersoll, Columbia, MO  573-876-1819)

From April 19 to May 21, Robin Calfee, biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center, will serve as a member of a working team and participate in a Group Study Exchange with environmental scientists in South Korea. The purpose is to establish and develop relationships with South Korean Universities and Institutions coordinating education exchanges with Korean students and faculty, with USGS and the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. Calfee will serve as a representative for the Environmental Science community, providing expertise in ecotoxicology and gain cultural experience with Korean professionals. By developing professional relationships and continuing collaborations in South Korea, the USGS will have the opportunity to expand it's current international exchange program relative to emerging contaminants, invasive species and global climate change. (Contact: Robin Calfee, Columbia, MO  573-441-2969) Profile: http://igskrgcbwb01050/Staff.aspx?StaffId=234

Edward E. Little, PhD, supervisory research biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, received the prestigious Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior. This honor award recognizes his exceptional scientific contributions to the understanding of environmental issues associated with the use of fire fighting chemicals for the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Contact: Edward Little, Columbia, MO  573-876-1817)

On March 17-19, in Nebraska City, NE, scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will present research findings at the 2010 Missouri River Natural Resources Committee (MRNRC) and BiOP Forum Conference. CERC research presentations include monitoring the progress of shallow water habitat restoration; little known life history dynamics of the endangered pallid sturgeon providing information on larvae survival and drift, and their ecological requirements for reproduction and recruitment; and the unveiling of an innovative digital system to organize and explore the large volumes of CERC data on pallid sturgeon (i.e., movement, habitat use, spawning locations, models, larval dispersal) called the Sturgeon Information Management System (SIMS). The MRNRC promotes and facilitates the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the natural resources of the Missouri River. (Contact: Michael Mac, Columbia, MO  573-876-1900)

CERC scientist Duane Chapman was quoted in two news articles on February 9 and 10, Time Magazine and the Journal Sentinel of Milwaukee, both pertaining to the invasive Asian carp, bighead and silver, nearing entry to the Great Lakes.
Time Magazine: Asian Carp in the Great Lakes? This Means War!
Journal Sentinel: Carp Talks May Miss Bigger Lake Challenge

Numerous newspapers and news radio shows interviewed and quoted USGS scientist, Duane Chapman, about the invasive Asian carps, bighead and silver, nearing entry into the Great Lakes. From January 22 to 27 interviews and quotes appeared in: CBC News Radio Canada, WJR News Radio Detroit, the Washington Post, Associated Press, ABC News Money, The Daily Reporter Milwaukee, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids News and Outdoor America magazine. These news stories are available at: <http://www.cerc.usgs.gov/WhatsNew.aspx?ContentId=327>.

Cindy Eberting Hall, Regional Director for Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo), on January 28 will visit the Columbia Environmental Research Center for a briefing by Michael Mac, Center Director, and Martin Smith, Project Manager, on the proposed building project funded through the economic stimulus package authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (Michael Mac, Columbia, MO  573-876-1900)

On January 13 in the Columbia Missourian, the Columbia Environmental Research Center was featured in the story, "U.S. Geological Survey in Columbia Plans $7million Facility Overhaul," announcing a public meeting at the Center to display the upcoming renovation options. This article is available at: <http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/01/12/us-geological-survey-hosts-open-house/print/>.

Through the DOI Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (NRDAR), the American public is compensated for the damage and loss of natural resources resulting from ASARCO's past mining, smelting and refining operations. The contribution of USGS scientists to the settlement of this case provides long-term ecological benefits to an area that has been heavily affected by decades of mining activity. CERC and PWRC provided scientific expertise and legally defensible information to the NRDAR program since its inception in the late 1980s. Studies from these Centers documented the extent and severity of contamination from mining activity by focusing on aquatic, vegetative, and avian resources. Critically important were investigations demonstrating the sensitivity of endemic crayfish and endangered freshwater mussels to metals and mining activity. At the request of the Department of Justice, two CERC scientists and one PWRC scientist prepared expert witness reports that were relied upon in court-ordered mediation to defend the Departmental claim that mining activity resulted in adverse effects on biological resources, ecosystem service loss, and overall extensive habitat injury.  (Susan Finger, Columbia, MO  573-876-1850)

News media interviews, from December 5-10, continue to occur featuring Duane Chapman, USGS research fish biologist, surrounding the issues of the invasive Asian carp close to entering the Great Lakes. Included in these numerous interviews are: AP, Washington Post, New York Times, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Detroit Free Press.
http://www.cerc.usgs.gov/WhatsNew.aspx?ContentId=327#DivNews

Duane Chapman, USGS fisheries biologist, is quoted in a few news articles from November 23 through December 1, all concerning the USGS research on invasive Asian carp and the possibility that these invaders may be close to entering the Great Lakes. On November 27, UPI picked up the story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's article (also November 27), but UPI featured information on whether or not the carp can survive in the open waters of the Great Lakes. On December 2, Duane was interviewed by the AP for fact-checking and the latest situation where the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is poisoned (rotenone) removing any Asian carp that are near the Great Lakes electric fish barrier. The UPI article is at: <http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/11/27/Open-lake-waters-may-defeat-Asian-carp/UPI-77221259345131/http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/11/27/Open-lake-waters-may-defeat-Asian-carp/UPI-77221259345131/>, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is at: <http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/75356897.html>.

CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Dean Reynolds Correspondent
The small mouth is also a fish of special value to researchers who suspect it may tell us something alarming about our water. In Columbia, Mo., the U.S. Geological Survey is keeping smallies in some artificial ponds, investigating why so many males are showing female characteristics. "Because it's male, you're seeing sperm here and here," said USGS Diana Papoulias while examining a fish. "But oddly, you're also seeing eggs. Small, undeveloped eggs. It is an abnormality," she said. "In bass we would not expect to see eggs in a male."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/25/eveningnews/main5778106.shtml (text)
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5779348n&tag=related;photovideo (video)

USGS scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present environmental contaminant research findings at the 29th annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) on November 19-23, in New Orleans, LA. Presentations include freshwater mussel toxicity tests for evaluating coal fly ash releases, contaminated sediments as a result of Hurricane Katrina, evidence of cyanobacterial toxins in Lake Mead, heavy metal toxicity effects of endangered sturgeon, and sediment toxicity test harmonization between the U.S. and Canada. SETAC promotes the advancement and application of scientific research related to contaminants and other stressors in the environment, and the use of science in environmental policy and decision-making. (Marcia Nelson, Columbia, MO 573-876-1875)

On October 3, scientists Diana Papoulias and Edward Little appeared in the New York Times article, "After A Devastating Fire, an Intense Study of Its Effects". The article focused on the Station fire in the Angeles National Forest, Calif., which started in late August and burned over 160,000 acres of this forested area, leaving behind charred and denuded mountains, fire retardants, ash and debris. The Columbia Environmental Research Center was asked to assess environmental effects on fish and amphibians in the aftermath of this damaging fire. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/science/earth/03fire.html>

Scientists from the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present findings from USGS sturgeon research conducted on the Missouri River, at the 6th International Symposium on Sturgeon. This symposium, "Harmonizing the Relation Between Humans and Sturgeons", from October 25-30, is held in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Scientists, students and enforcement authorities from different parts of the world will attend this event to discuss the recent developments in sturgeon status from various ecosystems, habitat restoration efforts, and management and conservation policies. <http://www.iss6.org/en/> (Aaron DeLonay, Columbia, MO  573-876-1878)

USGS scientist Jo Ellen Hinck responded to numerous media requests from several news and broadcast outlets about the intersex condition found in black bass across nine U.S. river basins. Media outlets included NPR, Discovery Channel, the Washington Post and the Denver Post. In addition, the AP, UPI and Greenwire picked up the story.

Beginning September 20, the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) will host three Russian scientists from the Institute for Biology of Inland Waters (IBIW), Borok, Russia, of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The science exchange program continues between IBIW and CERC for over 30 years, with senior and student scientists participating. The Russian scientists in this two week exchange are involved in effects of contaminant exposure at the cellular level, genomic molecular techniques and large river hydrodynamics. (Diana Papoulias, Columbia, MO  573-876-1902)

On a one-year sabbatical from Pusan National University, Dr. Jeong-Eun Oh of Pusan, Korea, just joined the environmental chemists of the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC). Dr. Oh has chosen to investigate pharmaceuticals released from wastewater treatment plants using passive samplers invented at CERC. In addition, CERC and Dr. Oh are fostering what hopes to be further joint research endeavors between the USGS and Pusan National University. (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

Pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanoparticles are throughout our environment, and in some cases, in our drinking water. These and other emerging contaminants are associated with significant environmental impacts, such as the feminization of fish, presenting challenges for scientists, engineers, regulators and the public. Dr. David Alvarez of the Columbia Environmental Research Center will present findings on the use of passive samplers in emerging contaminant studies and research in Lake Mead and the Potomac/Shenandoah Rivers, at the 2nd International Conference of Occurrence, Fate, Effects, and Analysis of Emerging Contaminants in the Environment. This Conference is on August 4-7 in Fort Collins, CO, sponsored by the USGS and Colorado State University. Details can be obtained at: <http://soilcrop.colostate.edu/EmCon2009/>. (David Alvarez, Columbia, MO  573-441-2970)

USGS scientists of the Columbia Environmental Research Center will participate in an educational canoe trip on the Missouri River, July 11, near Columbia, MO, to share information about the endangered pallid sturgeon and factors affecting its reproduction and survival. The event, hosted by the nonprofit Missouri River Communities Network, provides an opportunity for scientists to brief the public on five years of research conducted on the endangered fish in the Lower Missouri River. (Aaron DeLonay, Columbia, MO  573-876-1878)
Media

USGS scientist Duane Chapman of the Columbia Environmental Research Center, was interviewed for a Columbia Missourian story on Asian carp facing starvation and reproductive problems in the Missouri River. In the article published June 7, Chapman discussed their health decline, which is hypothesized to result from a low supply of zooplankton in the river <http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/06/07/asian-carp-facing-starvation-and-reproductive-problems/>.

"Reuse the Past, Recycle the Present, Save the Future" the theme for this year's Missouri Earth Day in Jefferson City, MO, on April 24, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and others, hosted about 1,200 Kindergarten through grade 12 students. Julia Towns-Campbell and Robin Tillitt of the Columbia Environmental Research Center set up an exhibit to interact with these young students, teaching and guiding them about aquatic contaminants, large river ecology and the fish and wildlife that inhabitat river environments. (Julia Towns-Campbell, Columbia, MO  573-876-1853)