Our work is focused on quantifying the biology, ecology, and population dynamics of coastal and diadromous fish species in the riverine, nearshore, and offshore waters of the state of New York. Our species of interest are dependent on both fresh- and salt-water habitats and will often transition between these disparate environments during their life-history. Coastal and diadromous fishes occur in New York waters near large population centers and are or have historically been of high commercial value. However, their complicated life-histories make them vulnerable to anthropogenic effects including overfishing, habitat loss or degradation, and development (e.g., hydropower and windpower). The majority of diadromous fish stocks in New York are currently considered depleted.
We use a combination of field and laboratory approaches to quantify both intra- and inter-specific population dynamics and their interaction with broader temporal and spatial scales through mechanisms such as climate, migration and food-web interactions with the ultimate goal of directing management strategies for the recovery of coastal and diadromous stocks to levels that allow for future sustainable use.