Our Location
Fish Ecology staff are stationed in the Montlake Laboratory in Seattle at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Electronic Shop, in eastern Washington at the Pasco Research Station, and in western Oregon at the Point Adams and Newport Research Stations.
What We Do
We strive to help resource managers and the public understand ecological links between fishes and their Pacific Northwest habitats. We investigate influences on the growth, distribution, and survival of species such as Pacific salmon, hake, and lamprey. We assist management agencies in evaluating stream, river, and watershed restoration projects to recover stocks listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Over the past 30 years, our researchers have worked to mitigate the impacts of dams and reservoirs to migrating adult and juvenile fish. Today, our efforts focus on understanding the migratory behavior of fish in the river, estuary, and ocean along with the ecosystem processes that affect growth and survival in these contrasting environments. A major area of interest is the Columbia River estuary, where we study physical, chemical, and biological interactions that affect fish populations.
Our Programs
Ecosystem Analysis
Estuarine and Ocean Ecology
Migrational Behavior
Watershed Restoration
Our Leadership
Sandra L. Downing, Ph.D.
Fish Ecology Division Coordinator
sandy.downing@noaa.gov
(206) 860-5604