Fish Ecophysiology

We are seeking interested and qualified applicants for a graduate student position at the MS level to work on a project studying the ecophysiology of nongame riverine fishes in the US southeast. Recent work in our lab has combined respirometry, swimming performance, critical temperature limits, and cellular thermal effects within a species. We continue to build on this research by investigating a spectrum of species to more broadly study the effects of dams on fishes, and the abilities of fishes to navigate potential passage structures. At a broader level, our lab is involved in a large-scale, comprehensive study of the influence of dams on riverine fish populations, and the work of this new graduate student will represent an important and integral aspect of that work. The Program: The Fish Ecology Group at the Ireland Center in Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences (http://auburn.edu/~devridr) is currently involved in research investigating the ecology and management of aquatic organisms in a variety of systems. Recent/ongoing work has included the effects of a peaking hydropower facility on downstream fishes, respirometry and ETS (electron transport system) measures of fishes to quantify thermal and DO stress, ecology of coastal fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, effects of an introduced planktivore on resident fishes and other aquatic organisms in Alabama reservoirs, adaptations of freshwater fishes to life in estuarine waters, use of lock chambers to pass riverine fishes, management of small impoundments, as well as an ongoing study of the effects of lock-and-dam structures on riverine fishes. Laboratory and field facilities are outstanding, including expansive pond facilities, large wet labs, controlled environment space, laboratory respirometry capabilities (including both static and swimming respirometry), laboratory facilities for conducting ETS and CTmax assays, and recently renovated student office space at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center. Our staff and students work with natural resource agency biologists, travel widely for professional activities, and maintain a team approach to research.