Month: October 2017

Senior Biometrician

B.S. Physics; Ph.D. Physics

Phone: (530) 240-6365

 

Auburn, California

Alex spent the past 17 years working as a physicist, software engineer and data scientist. As a physicist, he worked on nonlinear dynamical systems and wrote computational fluid dynamics software for astrophysical simulations. As a software engineer, he worked on information indexing and retrieval systems (search engines). As a data scientist he developed and deployed analytics pipelines for performing statistical analysis, optimization and forecasting, based on large data sets, in various domains, such as e-commerce, advertising and finance.

His interests lie in the areas of Bayesian inference and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. He has experience applying such methods to causal inference, synthetic counterfactual analysis, and stochastic optimization and control problems.

Selected Publications

 

Constandache, A., Bari, O., Forecasting a Stock’s Remaining Intraday Volume, 2018 First International Conference on Probabilistic Programming PROBPROG 2018.

 

Ulicny, B., Constandache, A., Cunningham, J., Traub, M., Yu, K., Azeglio, C., Saito-Varadi, M., 2016. Thomson Reuters and the FEIII challenge. Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Data Science for Macro-Modeling, DSMM@CIKM 2016.

 

Constandache, A., Das, A., Popowicz, Z. 2003 A Benney-like lattice. Czechoslovak journal of physics.

 

Constandache, A., Ashok Das, and F. Toppan. 2002 Lucas polynomials and a standard Lax representation for the polytropic gas dynamics. Letters in Mathematical Physics.

 

Brunelli, J. C., Constandache, A., Das, A. 2002 A Lax equation for the non-linear sigma model. Physics Letters B.

 

Barcelos-Neto, J., Constandache, A., Das A. 2000 Dispersionless fermionic KdV. Physics Letters A.

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Project Manager I

B.S. Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity

Phone: (530) 240-6330

 

Auburn, California

Annie has nearly 10 years of experience working on anadromous and estuarine fishery issues in California. She serves as a CFS biologist and leads planning, supervising, and conducting field projects. Annie has experience in stream habitat mapping and use assessments, evaluating and modeling fish migration and survival, and analyzing aquatic organism and environmental data. She has compiled field-collected data into spatial layers for analysis, visualization, and mapping in GIS to support natural resource research, assessment, and management. Annie has extensive experience with numerous monitoring and sampling methods and equipment; with developing field and laboratory protocols and organizing field research for genetic, monitoring, and biotelemetry studies; and with the identification and handling of sensitive species such as delta smelt, white sturgeon, and Chinook salmon.

Selected Publications

 

 

Brodsky, A., Zeug, S.C., Nelson, J. et al. 2020. Does broodstock source affect post-release survival of steelhead? Implications of replacing a non-native hatchery stock for recovery. Environmental Biology of Fishes. DOI: 10.1007/s10641-020-00951-2.

 

Zeug, S. C., R. Null, A. Brodsky, M. Johnston, and A. J. Ammann. 2019. Effect of release timing on migration survival of juvenile fall run Chinook salmon from Coleman National Fish Hatchery. Environmental Biology of Fishes, Special Edition. In Review.

 

Abadía-Cardoso, A., A. Brodsky, B. Cavallo, M. Arciniega, J.C. Garza, J. Hannon, and D. Pearse. 2019. Anadromy Redux? Genetic analysis to inform development of an indigenous American River steelhead broodstock. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10(1):137-147.

 

Zeug, S. C., F. V. Feyrer, A. Brodsky, and J. Melgo. 2017. Piscivore diet response to a collapse in pelagic prey populations. Environmental Biology of Fishes 100(8):947-958.

 

Brodsky, A., S. C. Zeug, I. Courter, and S. Blankenship. 2016. Alternative broodstock for the Nimbus Hatchery Steelhead Program. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Bay Delta Office, Sacramento, California.

 

Zeug, S. C., A. Brodsky, N. Kogut, A. R. Stewart, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Ancient fish and recent invaders: white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) diet response to invasive species-mediated changes in a benthic prey assemblage. Marine Ecology Progress Series 514:163-174.

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Vice President, Principal Scientist

B.S. Fisheries Biology; M.S. Aquatic Ecology

Phone: (530) 240-6448

 

Auburn, California

Brad has more than 23 years of experience working on anadromous and estuarine fishery issues in California and has attained expert knowledge of regulated rivers and estuaries, particularly related to the ecology of Chinook Salmon and other anadromous fishes. Brad excels in high-level data analysis including life-cycle modeling and simulation modeling of management impacts and the development, application, and evaluation of quantitative models for assessing aquatic habitats and fish population dynamics. Brad previously served as an environmental scientist with the California Department of Water Resources and was the lead scientist for hydropower re-licensing.

Selected Publications

 

Abadia-Cardoso, A., A. Brodsky, B. Cavallo, M. Arciniega, J. J. Garza, J. Hannon, and D. Pearse. 2019. Anadromy redux? Genetic analysis of Upper American River rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to inform development of an indigenous steelhead broodstock for Nimbus Hatchery. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. In final review.

 

Lessard, J., B. Cavallo, P. Anders, T.  Sommer, B. Schreier, D. Gille, A. Schreier, A. Finger, T. C. Hung, J. Hobbs, and B. May. 2018. Considerations for the use of captive-reared delta smelt for species recovery and research. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 16(3).

 

Cavallo, B., et al. 2016. Coleman National Fish Hatchery Adaptive Management Plan. Report to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Manton, California.

 

Cavallo, B., P. Gaskill, J. Melgo, and S. C. Zeug. 2015. Predicting juvenile Chinook routing in riverine and tidal channels of a freshwater estuary. Environmental Biology of Fishes 98(6):1571-1582.

 

Delaney, D., P. Bergman, B. Cavallo, and J. Melgo. 2014. Stipulation study: steelhead movement and survival in the South Delta with adaptive management of Old and Middle River flows. Technical Report to the California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento, California.

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2014. Controls on the entrainment of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) into large water diversions and estimates of population-level loss. PLoS One 9(7):e101479. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0101479.

 

Cavallo, B., J. Merz, and J. Setka. 2013. Effects of predator and flow manipulation on Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) survival in an imperiled estuary. Environmental Biology of Fishes 96(2-3):393-403.

 

Merz, J., M. Workman, D. Threloff, and B. Cavallo. 2013. Salmon life cycle considerations to guide stream management: examples from California’s Central Valley. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 11(2).

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2013. Influence of estuary conditions on the recovery rate of coded wire tagged Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in an ocean fishery. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 22:157-168.

 

Merz, J., S. Hamilton, P. Bergman, and B. Cavallo. 2012. Spatial perspective for delta smelt: a summary of survey data. California Fish and Game 97(4):164-189.

 

Cavallo B., R. Brown, and D. Lee. 2009. Hatchery and genetic management plan for Feather River hatchery spring-run Chinook program. Report to the California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento, California.

 

Seesholtz, A., B. Cavallo, J. Kindopp, and R. Kurth. 2004. Juvenile fishes of the lower Feather River: distribution, emigration patterns, and associations with environmental variables. Pages 141–166 in F. Feyrer, L. R. Brown, R. L. Brown, and J. J. Orsi, editors. Early Life History of Fishes in the San Francisco Estuary and Watershed. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 39, Bethesda, Maryland.

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Senior Laboratory Manager
B.S. Biological Sciences
Phone: (916) 250-1717

 

West Sacramento, California

Cheryl is the Genidaqs Senior Laboratory Manager at Cramer Fish Sciences, and has over 22 years of experience developing laboratory techniques and generating genetic data in support of listed species conservation, fisheries and hatcheries management, and introduced species monitoring. She specializes in applying genetic tools to address natural resource management, protected species recovery, and habitat restoration issues. Cheryl’s work has primarily focused on salmonid population genetics, including applying genetic tools for mixed stock analysis (population dynamics), genetic mark-recapture (vital rates), and population genetic statistical analyses (population health). Additionally, Cheryl has worked on numerous other species, including using genetic monitoring to examine the reproductive success of sage grouse reintroduction programs, evaluate changes in population structure of California honey bee, and assess landscape effects on connectivity (gene flow) in mountain goats.

Selected Publications

 

Small, M., D. Burgess, C. Dean, and K. Warheit. 2011. Does Lower Crab Creek in the Eastern Washington desert have a native population of Chinook salmon? Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140:808-821.

 

Pearse, D., L. Wooninck, C. Dean, and J. Garza. 2007. Identification of northeastern pacific rockfish using multilocus nuclear DNA genotypes. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:272-280.

 

Hedgecock, D., M. Banks, V. Rashbrook, C. Dean, and S. Blankenship. 2001 Applications of population genetics to conservation of Chinook salmon diversity in the Central Valley. Pages 45-70 in R. L. Brown, R.L., editor. Fish Bulletin 179: Contributions to the biology of Central Valley Salmonids. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

 

Banks, M., V. Rashbrook, M. Calavetta, C. Dean, and D. Hedgecock. 2000. Analysis of microsatellite DNA resolves genetic structure and diversity of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California’s Central Valley. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 57(5):915-927.

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Vice President, Director of Lab Services, Senior Molecular Biologist
B.S. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Phone: (916) 231-1687

 

West Sacramento, California

Gregg has two decades of experience applying molecular biological techniques in the fields of human pathogens, vaccine production, molecular ecology, fisheries genetics, and the detection of cryptic aquatic species by environmental DNA (eDNA). Gregg has led the effort within CFS to transfer relevant molecular biological and genetics technologies from the world of human pathogens to the study of fish ecology. Gregg leads the development of protocols and techniques for identifying and evaluating the distribution of cryptic, invasive, and listed or endangered aquatic species by eDNA.

Selected Publications

 

Blankenship, S., G. Schumer, J. Van Eenennaam, and Z. Jackson. 2017. Estimating number of white sturgeon adults from egg relatedness. Fisheries Management and Ecology 24(2):163-172.

 

Finger, A., G. Schumer, A. Benjamin, A. Schreier, and S. Blankenship. 2017. Effective population size of delta smelt. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Sciences.

 

Bergman, P., G. Schumer, S. Blankenship, and E. Campbell. 2016. Detection of adult green sturgeon using environmental DNA analysis. PLoS One 11:e0153500. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153500.

 

Schreier, B. M., M. R. Baerwald, J. L. Conrad, G. Schumer, and B. May. 2016. Examination of predation on early life stage delta smelt in the San Francisco estuary using DNA diet analysis. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145(4):723-733.

 

Brandl, S., G. Schumer, B. M. Schreier, J. L. Conrad, B. May, and M. R. Baerwald. 2015. Ten real-time PCR assays for detection of fish predation at the community level in the San Francisco Estuary-Delta. Molecular Ecology 15(2):278-284.

 

Baerwald, M. R., B. M. Schreier, G. Schumer, and B. May. 2012. Detection of threatened delta smelt in the gut contents of the invasive Mississippi silverside in the San Francisco Estuary using TaqMan Assays. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 141(6):1600-1607.

 

Hamelin, M. E., M. Baz, Y. Abed, C. Couture, P. Joubert, É. Beaulieu, N. Bellerose, M. Plante, C. Mallett, G. Schumer, G. P. Kobinger, and G. Boivin. 2010. Oseltamivir-resistant pandemic A/H1N1 virus is as virulent as its wild-type counterpart in mice and ferrets. PLoS Pathogens 6(7):e1001015. DOI:10.1371/journal.ppat.1001015

 

Baerwald, M. R., G. Schumer, B. M. Schreier, and B. May. 2011. TaqMan assays for the genetic identification of delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) and wakasagi smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis). Molecular Ecology Resources 11(5):784-785.

 

Blankenship, S., M. Teply, and G. Schumer. 2011. Sampling and analysis to assess brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population trends in High Lake (Oregon) using environmental DNA monitoring. Report to Burns Paiute Tribe.

 

Kobinger, G. P., H. Feldmann, Y. Zhi, G. P. Schumer, G. P. Gao, F. Feldmann, S. Jones, and J. M. Wilson. 2006. Chimpanzee adenovirus vaccine protects against Zaire Ebola virus. Journal of Virology 346(2):394-401.

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Program Manager III

B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife; M.S. Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Phone: (503) 446-5942

 

Portland, Oregon

Hans has over 20 years of experience working in state and local governments developing natural resource policies, managing salmon and aquatic habitat restoration projects, and conducting research in terrestrial and aquatic systems. He has expertise in leading project teams to conduct research and perform complex analyses, scope and implement restoration projects, develop salmon recovery plans, implement effective monitoring programs, complete fish passage improvement projects, and identify solutions to a variety of complex fisheries and environmental issues. He excels at working with multi-dimensional stakeholder groups to use science to address pressing natural resource challenges.

Selected Publications

 

Berge, H. B., H. Haemmerle, and T. Miskovic. 2017. Monitoring the effectiveness of forest practice rules in protecting aquatic resources. Northwest Woodlands 33(3):14-27.

 

Tabor, R. A., A. Bell, D. Lantz, H. B. Berge, and D. Hawkins. 2017. Phototaxic behavior of subyearling salmonids in the nearshore area of two urban lakes in western Washington state. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146:753-761.

 

Black, R. W., C. R. Czuba, C. S. Magirl, S. McCarthy, H. Berge, and K. Comanor. 2016. Effects of a levee setback on aquatic resources using two-dimensional flow and bioenergetics models. United States Geological Survey Scientific Investigation Report 2016-5025, Reston, Virginia.

 

Tabor, R. A., R. Peters, H. B. Berge, and R. Piaskowski. 2016. Diet of the torrent sculpin, Cottus rhotheus, in the Cedar River, Washington: effect of season, habitat type, and predator size with emphasis on piscivory. Northwestern Naturalist 97:190-204.

 

David, A. T., C. A. Simenstad, J. R. Cordell, J. D. Toft, C. S. Ellings, A. Gray, and H. B. Berge. 2015. Wetland loss, juvenile salmon foraging performance, and conspecific density-dependence in Pacific Northwest estuaries. Estuaries and Coasts 1-14.

 

Quinn, T. P., M. H. Bond, and H. B. Berge. 2015. Use of egg size differences in anadromous (sockeye salmon) and non-anadromous (kokanee) forms of Oncorhynchus nerka to infer ancestral origin of a landlocked population. Ecological Research 30(3):547-554.

 

Tabor, R. A., D. W. Lantz, J. D. Olden, and H. B. Berge. 2015.  Assessment of introduced prickly sculpin populations in mountain lakes in two areas of western Washington State. Northwest Science 89(1):1-13.

 

Tabor, R. A., H. B. Berge, M. M. Klungle, B. E. Thompson, D. W. Lantz, and B. E. Price. 2014. Predation of juvenile salmonids by resident trout and other fishes in the lower Cedar River, Washington. Final report to Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle, Washington.

 

Burton, K. D., L. G. Lowe, H. B. Berge, H. K. Barnett, and P. L. Faulds. 2013.  Comparative dispersal patterns for recolonizing Cedar River Chinook above Landsburg Dam, Washington, and the source population below the dam. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 142(3):703-716.

 

Konrad, C., H. B. Berge, R. Fuerstenberg, K. Steff, T. Olsen, and J. Guyenet. 2011. Channel dynamics in the Middle Green River, Washington, from 1936 to 2002.  Northwest Science 85(1):1-14.

 

DeGasperi, C. L., H. B. Berge, K. R. Whiting, J. J. Burkey, J. L. Cassin, and R. R. Fuersteerg. 2009. Linking hydrologic alteration to biological impairment in urbanizing streams of the Puget Lowland, Washington, USA. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(2):512-533.

 

Overman, N. C., D. B. Beauchamp, H. B. Berge, M. M. Mazur, and J. K. McIntyre. 2009. Differing forage fish assemblages influence trophic structure in neighboring urban lakes. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 138:741-755.

 

Matzen, D. A., and H. B. Berge.  2008. Assessing small stream biotic integrity using fish assemblages across an urban landscape in the Puget Sound Lowlands of Western Washington. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 137:677-689.

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Fisheries Biologist II
B.S. Marine Biology; M.S. Animal Biology
Phone: (916) 250-1570

 

West Sacramento, California

Jamie has over nine years of experience monitoring and analyzing data collected from habitat restoration projects in the California Central Valley. Her skills include spawning and stranding surveys, seining, macroinvertebrate sampling, carcass surveys, rotary screw and fyke trap operation, fish and macroinvertebrate identification, and trace element/stable isotope microchemistry analysis. In addition to monitoring restoration projects, Jamie plays an important role in data visualization, spatial and statistical data analysis, and report writing. Her current research specializes in using microchemistry to explore life history diversity and early development of white sturgeon in the Sacramento/San Joaquin rivers in California.

Selected publications

Sweeney, J.K., Willmes, M., Sellheim, K., Lewis, L.S., Hobbs, J.A., Fangue, N.A. and Merz, J.E., 2020. Ontogenetic patterns in the calcification and element incorporation in fin rays of age-0 White Sturgeon. Environmental Biology of Fishes 103(11): 1401-1418.

 

Selheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Sweeney, J., K. Sellheim, and J. Merz. 2017. Lower American River Monitoring: 2017 Steelhead spawning and stranding surveys annual report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Anderson, J., J. Sweeney, T. Hinkelman, K. Horvath and J. Merz. 2016. Juvenile salmonid outmigration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Beakes, J. Merz, and J. Sweeney. 2016. Mokelumne River salmonid spawning and rearing habitat potential: analysis of coarse sediment and floodplain extent. Report to the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

 

Sellheim, K., J. Merz, D. Stroud, and J. Sweeney. 2016. Lower American River monitoring: 2016 steelhead spawning and stranding surveys Annual Report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Sellheim, K., J. Merz, P. Haverkamp, and J. Sweeney. 2015. Lower American River Monitoring: 2015 steelhead spawning and stranding surveys annual report. Central Valley Project, American River California. Mid – Pacific Region. Report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

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R&D Program Manager

B.S. Ecology and Systematic Biology

Phone: (209) 353-2225

 

Ripon, California

Jesse has over 20 years of fisheries experience in the Central Valley and leads the CFS Research and Development Lab. He is responsible for coordinating field efforts and projects throughout the region. Jesse has over 16 years of experience designing, constructing, operating, and monitoring resistance board weirs in a wide variety of river environments throughout the world. He has extensive experience with a wide variety of field research techniques, environmental permitting, stormwater monitoring, and habitat restoration. Jesse is also an FAA certified commercial sUAS (drone) pilot.

Selected Publications

 

Anderson, J. T., G. Schumer, P. J. Anders, K. Horvath, and J. E. Merz. 2018. Confirmed observation: a North American green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris recorded in the Stanislaus River, California. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9(2):624-630.

 

Anderson, J. T., J. E. Merz, C. B. Watry, and M. K. Saiki. 2015. Comparison of selected population characteristics of adult Chinook salmon during upstream passage through a resistance board weir and during carcass surveys. California Fish and Game 101(1):24-39.

 

Anderson, J. T., D. Olsen, K. Sellheim, T. Hinkelman, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Juvenile salmonid out-migration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Biannual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

 

Anderson, J. T., C. B. Watry, and A. Gray. 2007. Upstream fish passage at a resistance board weir using infrared and digital technology in the lower Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, Grant No. 813326G004, Stockton, California.

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Science Operations Manager
B.S. Organismal Biology; M.S. Fisheries Biology
Phone: (916) 250-1705

 

West Sacramento, California

Jesse has nearly a decade of experience working in fisheries. His diverse background allows him to contribute to a variety of CFS projects spanning multiple biological disciplines. Jesse has served as the lead biologist on predation assessments, otolith microstructure studies, as well as numerous restoration monitoring projects to benefit salmonids. His analytical experience includes macroinvertebrate and fisheries community analysis, genetic analysis, and otolith microstructure analysis. His other experience includes PIT tag antenna arrays, electrofishing, stomach content analysis, salmonid carcass and redd surveys, rotary screw trapping, seining, trawling, and snorkel surveys. Jesse is an expert at identifying California’s diverse fishes, and an experienced boat operator in lakes, rivers, and deltas.

Selected Publications

 

Selheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River Ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Beaks M. P., J. C. Wiesenfeld, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Spatial Stream Network Modeling of Suisun Creek. Report to the California Land Stewardship Institute.

 

Wiesenfeld, J. C., D. H. Goodman, and A. P. Kinziger, 2018. Riverscape genetics identifies speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) cryptic diversity in the Klamath–Trinity Basin. Conservation Genetics 19(1):111-127. DOI:10.1007/s10592-017-1027-6.

 

Merz, J. M., A. Brodsky, K. Sellheim, J. K. Sweeney, and J. C. Wiesenfeld. 2017. Evaluation of gravel placement on juvenile salmonid prey assemblages in the lower American River, California, 2013-2015 Data Report. Report to the Sacramento Water Forum.

 

Wiesenfeld, J. C., S. C. Zeug, A. Brodsky, K. Sellheim, and J.E. Merz. 2017. San Joaquin River Restoration Floodplain Production Study Report. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Blankenship, S. M., G. Schumer, and J. C. Wiesenfeld. 2015. Delta smelt effective population size preliminary report. Report to the State and Federal Contractors Water Agency.

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President, Principal Scientist, Adjunct Professor (UCSC)

B.S. Environmental and Systematic Biology; M.S. Biological Conservation; Ph.D. Conservation Ecology

Phone: (916) 250-2344

 

West Sacramento, California

Joe has more than 26 years of experience working for state, city, university, and public entities as a fisheries ecologist and performing studies and monitoring fish populations to protect and enhance their habitat. He has completed numerous assessments of habitat manipulation on aquatic resources, including habitat enhancement, flow manipulation, invasive species removal, and regulation implementation, particularly for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Joe has extensive experience with habitat typing and delineation with the use of GIS and aerial maps, has designed multi-million dollar projects to restore river channels and floodplains, and has trained numerous professionals in these techniques.

Selected Publications

 

Sturrock, A. M., S. M. Carlson, J. D. Wikert, T. Heyne, S. Nusslé, J. Merz, H. Sturrock, R. C.  Johnson. 2019. Un-natural selection of salmon life histories in a modified riverscape. Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14896

 

Harrison, L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. J. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river. Water Resources Research 55. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024428.

 

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Senior Scientist
B.A. Applied Mathematics; M.S. Environmental Systems – Mathematical Modeling; Ph.D. Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management
Phone: (206) 960-4498

 

Issaquah, Washington

Kai is a biometrician and modeler with over 10 years of broad experience in mathematical modeling, spatial analysis, and data visualization. His work focuses on providing decision support for natural resource management through mathematical and statistical modeling, exploring and visualizing data, and quantifying trade-offs. He has a wide-range of experience with mathematical modeling including optimization modeling (integer and multi-objective models), simulation modeling (agent/individual-based models, growth and yield), statistical modeling (model and parameter fitting, both frequentist and Bayesian), and spatial analysis using geographic information systems (GIS).

Selected Publications

 

Timm R. K., L. Caldwell, A. Nelson, C. Long, M. B. Chilibeck, M. Johnson, K. Ross, A. Muller, and J. M. Brown. 2019. Drones, hydraulics, and climate change: inferring barriers to steelhead spawning migrations. WIREs Water 6:e1379.

 

Roni, P., M. Krall, C. Clark, and K. Ross. 2019. Salmon Recovery Funding Board reach-scale project effectiveness monitoring program: 2018 Final Report. Report to the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Recreation and Conservation Office, Olympia, Washington.

 

Roni, P., C. Clark, M. Krall, S. Burgess, and K. Ross. 2019. Bonneville Power Administration Action Effectiveness Monitoring Program – 2018 Annual Report. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Project Number 2016-001-00, Portland, Oregon.

 

Ross, K. L., S. F. Tóth, and W. Jaross. 2018. Forest harvest scheduling with endogenous road costs. Interfaces 48(3):260-270.

 

Clark, C., M. Krall, K. Ross, and P. Roni. 2018. OWEB-SRFB coordinated monitoring program for livestock exclusion projects: 2017 Final Report. Report to the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Olympia, Washington.

 

Caldwell, L., D. Stroud, F. Carpenter, L. Belcher, M. Morasch, K. Denton, and K. Ross. 2017. Merwin upstream passage adult trap efficiency: 2016 Final Report. Report to Pacific Power (A Division of PacifiCorp).

 

Ceder, K., M. Teply, and K. Ross. 2016. Eastside modeling effectiveness project (EMEP). Report to the Washington Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee, Olympia, Washington.

 

Ross, K. L. 2016. Extending harvest-scheduling using spatial optimization: road access and edge effects. Doctoral dissertation. University of Washington, Seattle.

 

Ross, K. L., and S. F. Tóth. 2016. A model for managing edge effects in harvest scheduling using spatial optimization. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 31(7):646-654.

 

Van Kirk, R., S. Martin, K. Ross, and M. Douglas. 2014. Computer simulation modeling to determine trailhead quotas for overnight wilderness visitor use. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 32(3).

 

Ross, K. 2011. A simulation model for wilderness use in Yosemite National Park. Master’s Thesis. Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.

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Senior Research Associate

B.S. Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation

Phone: (916) 550-9793

 

West Sacramento, California

Katie’s experience includes collecting data from salmonid habitat restoration sites using various techniques, including: fyke trapping, beach seining, Hess and drift sampling, flow transects, environmental data collection, and PIT tagging. She plays a key role in processing lab-based data, and specializes in invertebrate identification, data entry and Access database management. Katie also works on projects with GENIDAQS. She has extensive experience collecting eDNA samples in the field, extracting DNA from tissue and eDNA samples, set up and programming of the eDNA auto-sampler, and extraction protocol development.

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Billings & Contracts Administrator

B.S.

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

Portland, Oregon

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Science Operations Manager, Senior Scientist
B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; M.S. Population Biology
Phone: (916) 250-2203

 

West Sacramento, California

Kirsten is a Senior Scientist in the CFS River Science and Restoration lab in West Sacramento, California. She is responsible for coordinating and leading field efforts for monitoring and restoration projects throughout the Central Valley. Kirsten has 16 years of experience conducting field-based fisheries studies and has written and edited numerous scientific manuscripts and technical reports related to river restoration, spawning and outmigration monitoring, community ecology, invasive species, and restoration prioritization. She has extensive experience with state and federal permitting, particularly for restoration projects. She trains technicians and biologists and has developed field and laboratory protocols, study designs, and safety protocols for field monitoring.

Selected Publications

 

Merz, J. E., L. Caldwell, M. Beakes, C. Hammersmark, and K. Sellheim. 2018. Balancing competing life stage requirements in salmon habitat rehabilitation: between a rock and a hard place. Restoration Ecology. Early View only. DOI: 10.1111/rec.12900.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Willmes, J. A. Hobbs, J. J. G. Glessner, Z. J. Jackson, and J. E. Merz. 2017. Validating fin ray microchemistry as a tool to reconstruct the migratory history of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146(5):844-857.

 

Sellheim, K., M. Vaghti, and J. Merz. 2016. Vegetation recruitment in an enhanced floodplain: ancillary benefits of salmonid habitat enhancement. Limnologica 58:94-102.

 

Sellheim, K., C. Watry, B. Rook, S. Zeug, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, K. Dove, and J. Merz. 2015. Juvenile salmonid utilization of floodplain rearing habitat after gravel augmentation in a regulated river. River Research and Applications 32(4):610-621.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, J. D. Wikert, and J. Merz. 2014. Response of juvenile anadromous salmon to managed flow: lessons learned from the southern extent of Chinook salmon in North America. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21(2):155-168.

 

Anderson, I. J., M. K. Saiki, K. Sellheim, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Differences in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with a bloom of Didymosphenia geminata in the Lower American River, California. The Southwestern Naturalist 59(3):389-395.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, B. Rook, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, D. Cox, and J. Merz. 2014. Gravel augmentation increases spawning utilization by anadromous salmonids: a case study from California, USA. River Research and Applications 30(6):707-718.

 

Edwards, K. F., K. M. Aquilino, R. J. Best, K. L. Sellheim, and J. J. Stachowicz. 2010. Prey diversity is associated with weaker consumer effects in a meta- analysis of benthic marine experiments. Ecology Letters 13(2): 194-201.

 

Sellheim, K. L., J. J. Stachowicz, and R. C. Coates. 2010. Effects of a nonnative habitat-forming species on mobile and sessile epifaunal communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series 398: 69-80.

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Fisheries Biologist II

B.S. Aquatic & Fishery Science, minor in Quantitative Science; M.S. Environmental Science

Phone: (503) 850-9051

 

Portland, Oregon

Kristin has over 9 years of experience conducting, analyzing and reporting the results of biological field and laboratory studies in the Pacific Northwest. She has led and supported fisheries trophic ecology and monitoring studies in freshwater and marine environments using a variety of field methods, including gill nets, seines, traps, mid-water trawls, fish marking, electrofishing and hydroacoustic. In addition, she has experience sampling and identifying macroinvertebrates and zooplankton, and has conducted limnological sampling and habitat assessments. Kristin is skilled at gut contents analysis, stable isotope analysis, fish age/growth estimation using aging structures, and boat operation. She has experience analyzing and reporting the results of fisheries food-web and monitoring studies, including bioenergetics modeling and multivariate community analyses. Kristin’s duties include developing field protocols, leading field crews, analyzing biological and spatial data, and report writing.

R&D Fabrication Manager

B.S. Environmental Management and Protection, Natural Resource Planning

Phone: (209) 353-2234

 

Ripon, California

Kyle works to collect, analyze, and enter physical and biological data, monitor restoration construction activities, assist in the fabrication of sampling equipment, and contribute to technical reports. He has extensive experience in fish identification, monitoring, sampling, handling, tagging, and tracking techniques in California’s freshwater systems. Kyle is also well versed in working with construction companies during restoration projects, including assisting in permit compliance, habitat rehabilitation efforts, and wildlife monitoring.

Selected publications

 

Anderson, J. T., G. Schumer, P. J. Anders, K. Horvath, and J. E. Merz. 2018. Confirmed observation: a North American green sturgeon Acipenser medirostris recorded in the Stanislaus River, California. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9(2):624-630.

 

Anderson, J., J. Sweeney, T. Hinkelman, K. Horvath and J. Merz. 2016. Juvenile salmonid outmigration monitoring at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River, California. Annual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring Program.

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Biological Technician

B.S. Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Matthew has experience working in both marine and freshwater fisheries in California with governmental and private agencies. In the field, Matthew works to collect physical and biological data using various techniques including beach seining, fyke trapping, macroinvertebrate sampling, and snorkeling. He has experience with fish handling and identification along with data entry and QA/QC.

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Senior Laboratory Technician

B.S. Animal Biology

Phone: (888) 224-1221

 

West Sacramento, California

Michelle is a laboratory technician with Genidaqs at Cramer Fish Sciences. She works to collect, extract, and analyze eDNA samples from tissues and filters, write standard operating procedures, and maintain lab equipment. Michelle has worked in various labs including those studying marine invertebrates biology, plant biology, microRNAs in honey bees pheromone pathways and human vectored diseases in laboratory rodents. Her extensive background in laboratory research is a great support for Cramer Fish Sciences in solving challenges in aquatic ecology and fish populations.

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External Director, C.F.O.

M.B.A.

Portland, Oregon

Olivia is an independent member of the Cramer Fish Sciences Board of Directors. She has over 25 years of experience in both Finance and Accounting. Olivia previously served as Cramer Fish Sciences’ Chief Financial Officer prior to joining the board. She spent many years running her own accounting firm, as well as serving in senior leadership positions in a vast array of organizations spanning from manufacturing to healthcare. Working with Cramer Fish Sciences for nearly a decade, it has been her great pleasure to see the organization grow into a healthy and prosperous sustainable business.

 

In addition to serving the board of directors, Olivia is the Chief Financial Officer for VisionGift, a Nonprofit cornea donation eye bank, whose mission is to honor donors by advancing sight for all humankind.

 

Olivia is a graduate from Warner Pacific University with a BA Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and earned her MBA with emphasis in Organizational Development from Marylhurst University.

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Senior Permitting Biologist

B.S. Aquatic Biology; M.S. Natural Resources

Phone: (916) 250-1922

 

West Sacramento, California

Philip is a biologist with over a decade of experience in fisheries research and monitoring throughout California. He leads field work for a variety of projects including restoration effectiveness monitoring and applied research. He has extensive experience performing downstream migrant trapping, carcass and redd surveys, habitat mapping, snorkel surveys, electrofishing, seining, fish tagging including PIT, elastomer, and CWT, benthic macroinvertebrate collection and identification, and physical data collection. He performs data analysis and visualization, writes reports, and assists with manuscript preparation. Additionally, Philip performs the extensive environmental permitting and reporting required for implementing research and restoration projects in California.

Selected Publications

 

Selheim, K. L., R. A. Brown, J. T. Anderson, M. Vaghti, J. C. Wiesenfeld, P. A. Colombano, J. K. Sweeney, and J. E. Merz. 2019. Merced River Ranch and Henderson Park restoration projects on the Merced River, California. Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2018. Middle Piru Creek rainbow trout sampling in support of Santa Felicia Dam fish passage: biological assessment. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the United Water Conservation District.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2018. Merced Irrigation District’s Merced River instream and off-channel habitat rehabilitation project: biological and essential fish habitat assessment. Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service on behalf of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2017. Stanislaus river channel and floodplain rehabilitation project at Rodden road biological assessment. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences and cbec eco-engineering. 2017. Hallwood side channel and floodplain restoration project environmental assessment/initial study. Report to the Yuba County on behalf of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Cramer Fish Sciences. 2016. Stanislaus River salmonid habitat restoration project at Buttonbush: biological and essential fish habitat assessment. Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service on behalf of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Colombano, P. A. 2012. Response of coastal stream habitat and juvenile steelhead to the Honeydew Fire in Humboldt County, California. Master’s Thesis, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.

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Selected Publications

Krall, M. P. Roni, C. Clark, and K. Ross. 2021. Effects of livestock exclusion on stream banks and riparian vegetation in Washington and Oregon. Northwest Science 95: 1-21.

 

Clark, C., P. Roni, J. Keeton, and G. Pess. 2020. Evaluation of the removal of impassible barriers on anadromous salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Fisheries Management and Ecology 27:102-110.

 

Roni, P., J. E. Hall, S. M. Drenner, and D. Arterburn. 2019. Monitoring the effectiveness of floodplain habitat restoration: A review of methods and recommendations for future monitoring. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water:e1355. 

 

Roni, P. 2019. Does river restoration increase fish abundance and survival or simply concentrate fish? The effects of project scale, location, and fish life history. Fisheries 44:7-19.

 

Roni, P., P. J. Anders, T. J. Beechie, and D. J. Kaplowe. 2018. Review of tools for identifying, planning, and implementing habitat restoration for Pacific salmon and steelhead. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 38(2):355-376.

 

Roni, P., Johnson, C., T. De Boer, T. and G. Pess. 2016. Interannual variability in the effects of physical habitat and parentage on Chinook salmon egg-to-fry survival. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 73:1-13.

 

Roni, P., T. Beechie, C. Jordan, and G. Pess. 2015. Basin scale monitoring of river restoration: recommendations from case studies in the Pacific Northwest USA. Pages 73–98 in N. Fisher, P. LeBlanc, C. A. Rose, and B. Sadler, editors. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 78, Bethesda, Maryland.

 

Roni, P., T. Beechie, G. Pess, and K. Hanson. 2015. Wood placement in river restoration: fact, fiction and future direction. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 72(3): 466-478.

 

Roni, P., and T. Beechie. 2013. Stream and watershed restoration: a guide to restoring riverine processes and habitats. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.

 

Roni, P., T. Bennett, R. Holland, G. Pess, K. Hanson, R. Moses, M. McHenry, W. Ehinger, and J. Walter. 2012. Factors affecting migration timing, growth and survival of juvenile coho salmon in two coastal Washington watersheds. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 141: 890-906.

 

Roni, P., G. Pess, S. T. Beechie and S. Morley. 2010. Estimating changes in coho salmon and steelhead abundance from watershed restoration: how much restoration is needed to measurably increase smolt production? North American Journal of Fisheries Management 30:1469-1484.

 

Roni, P., K. Hanson, and T. Beechie. 2008. Global review of physical and biological effectiveness of stream rehabilitation. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:856-890.

 

Roni, P. 2005. Monitoring stream and watershed restoration. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

 

Roni, P., T. J. Beechie, R. E., Bilby, F. E. Leonetti, M. M. Pollock, and G. P. Pess. 2002. A review of stream restoration techniques and a hierarchical strategy for prioritizing restoration in Pacific Northwest watersheds. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1-20.

 

Roni, P., and T. P. Quinn. 2001. Effects of artificial wood placement on movements of trout and juvenile coho salmon in natural and artificial channels. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 130:675-685.

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Senior Geomorphologist

B.S. Fishery Resources, M.S. Watershed Sciences

Phone: (208) 810-4887

 

Boise, Idaho

Reid is a fluvial geomorphologist with over 10 years of experience in restoration effectiveness monitoring, geomorphic assessments, aquatic habitat surveys, and restoration planning, design, and implementation. His work focuses on holistic approaches to assessing complex ecosystem questions by studying the interaction of fluvial and biological processes among multiple spatial and temporal scales. Reid designs and implements stream restoration projects using low-tech methods, including post assisted log structures (PALS), beaver dam analogues (BDA), and direct felling. He has extensive experience using geographic information systems for cartography and geomorphic, hydrologic, and riparian analyses. He also specializes in creating and managing databases including developing apps and tools for creating functional products from large datasets.

Selected Publications

 

Camp, R., and co-authors. 2019. Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Pages 59-88 and 146-284 in J. M. Wheaton, S. N. Bennett, N. Bouwes, J. D. Maestas, and S. M. Shahverdian, editors. Low-Tech process-based restoration of riverscapes: Design manual. Version 1.0. Utah State University Restoration Consortium. Logan, UT. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19590.63049/2. Available at: http://lowtechpbr.restoration.usu.edu/manual.

 

Bennett, S., R. Camp, A. Hill, J. Wheaton, N. Bouwes, G. O’Brien, B. Floyd, and T. Drury 2018. Asotin county conceptual restoration plan. Report to Asotin County Conservation District, Asotin, Washington.

 

Bennett, S., R. Camp, J. Wheaton, N. Bouwes, G. O’Brien, A. Hill, B. Floyd, and T. Drury 2018. Asotin county watershed assessment. Report prepared for Asotin County Conservation District. Asotin, Washington.

 

Sage Environmental Research, LLC. 2018. Rattlesnake Creek conceptual rehabilitation plan. Report to the Asotin County Conservation District, Asotin, Washington.

 

Camp, R. 2017. Penawawa Creek instream habitat rehabilitation: 2017 Progress Report. Report prepared to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, Olympia, Washington.

 

Camp, R. 2017. PALS in Asotin Creek: a friendly addition to impaired streams. Ripples in the Grand Ronde Newsletter, Spring Edition, La Grande, Oregon.

 

Camp, R., and S. Bennett. 2017. Alpowa Creek watershed riparian assessment. Report to the Palouse Conservation District, Pullman, Washington.

 

Camp, M., J. Rachlow, R. Cisneros, D. Roon, and R. Camp. 2016. Evaluation of global positioning system telemetry collar performance in the tropical Andes of southern Ecuador. Natureza & Conservação 14(2):128–131.

 

Kasprak, A., N. Hough-Snee, T. Beechie, N. Bouwes, G. Brierley, R. Camp, K. Fryirs, H. Imaki, M. Jensen, G. O’Brien, D. Rosgen, and J. Wheaton. 2016. The blurred line between form and process: a comparison of stream channel classification frameworks. PLoS One 11(3):e0150293.

 

Bennett, S., R. Camp, A. Hill, E. Portugal, and N. Weber. 2015. Working with beaver in Pataha creek to restore salmon and steelhead habitat: assessment, design, and construction report. Report to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Olympia, Washington.

 

Camp, R., and J. Wheaton. 2014. Streamlining field data collection with mobile Apps. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union 95(49):453–454.

 

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Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist

B.S. Environmental Engineering; M.S. Hydrologic Sciences; Ph.D. Hydrologic Sciences

Phone: (916) 250-2022

 

West Sacramento, California

Rocko is the Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist at CFS and is responsible for leading studies and analyses of hydrologic and geomorphic processes that shape fish habitat. Rocko has more than 17 years of experience analyzing hydrology, hydraulics, and sediment transport associated with projects that restored fish habitat, aided flood control, modified hydrology, removed dams, and stabilized stream banks, and he is skilled in a wide range of field methods and analytical tools employed in leading studies of fluvial geomorphology. These include surveying; remote sensing; 2D modeling of flow, sediment, and habitat; GIS analysis; hyporheic exchange; steam habitat design; and fish passage assessments.

Selected Publications

 

Harrison, L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. J. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Physical controls on salmon redd site selection in restored reaches of a regulated, gravel-bed river. Water Resources Research 55. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024428.

 

Brown R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2019. How to build a digital river. Earth Science Reviews. In review.

 

Harrison L. R., E. Bray, B. Overstreet, C. Legleiter, R. A. Brown, J. E. Merz, R. M. Bond, C. L. Nicol, and T. Dunne. 2019. Large-scale restoration of salmon spawning habitat in a regulated, gravel-bedded river. Water Resources Research. In review.

 

Pasternack, G.B., D. Baig, M. D. Weber, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Hierarchically nested river landform sequences. Part 1: Theory. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 43(12):2510-2518.

 

Pasternack, G. B., D. Baig, M. D. Weber, and R. A. Brown. 2018. Hierarchically nested river landform sequences. Part 2: Bankfull channel morphodynamics governed by valley nesting structure. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 43(12):2519-2532.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2017. Bed and width oscillations form coherent patterns in a partially confined, regulated gravel–cobble-bedded river adjusting to anthropogenic disturbances. Earth Surface Dynamics 5:1-20. DOI:10.5194/esurf-5-1-2017.

 

Brown, R. A., G. B. Pasternack, and T. Lin. 2016. The topographic design of river channels for form-process linkages. Environmental Management 57(4):929-942. DOI: 10.1007/s00267-015-0648-0.

 

Brown, R. A., G. B. Pasternack, and W. W. Wallender. 2014. Synthetic river valleys: creating prescribed topography for form-process inquiry and river rehabilitation design. Geomorphology 214:40-55.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2014. Hydrologic and topographic variability modulates channel change in mountain rivers. Journal of Hydrology 510:551-564.

 

Pasternack, G. B., and R. A. Brown. 2013. Ecohydraulic design of riffle-pool relief and morphological-unit geometry in support of regulated gravel-bed river rehabilitation. Pages 337-355 in I. Maddock, A. Harby, P. Kemp, and P. Wood, editors. Ecohydraulics: an integrated approach. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Hoboken, New Jersey.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2013. Monitoring and assessment of the 2011-2012 gravel/cobble augmentation in the Englebright Dam reach of the Lower Yuba River, CA. Report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, University of California at Davis, Davis, California.

 

Beakes, M., J. Moore, N. Retford, R. A. Brown, J. Merz, and S. Sogard. 2012. Evaluating statistical approaches to quantifying juvenile Chinook salmon habitat in a regulated California river. River Research and Applications 30(2):180-191.

 

Brown, R. A., and G. B. Pasternack. 2009. Comparison of methods for analyzing salmon habitat rehabilitation designs for regulated rivers. River Research and Applications 25:745-772.

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Senior Biologist
B.A. Ecology; M.S. Marine Resource Management

Phone: (503) 850-9610

 

Portland, Oregon 

Ryan is an exceptional fisheries biologist with over a decade of experience conducting and leading a variety of sampling and monitoring projects. Ryan has extensive field experience that includes deployment and operation of biotelemetry equipment, collection of juvenile outmigrant data (rotary screw and incline plane traps, PIT tagging, snorkeling), water quality sampling, boat operations, and assessment of aquatic and riparian habitats. Prior to joining Cramer Fish Sciences, Ryan worked on studies evaluating survival rates of juvenile salmonid passage through hydroelectric projects and estimating the exposure of ESA-listed salmonids to harmful levels of total dissolved gas. As a graduate student, Ryan researched how genetics-based tools can be used to identify catch distributions for Chinook salmon at refined space-time scales that are beyond the capacity of traditionally reported coded-wire tag data. Ryan is well versed in managing and analyzing complex data sets in R and GIS, developing web-based applications to host and visualize data, and preparing and editing technical reports and publications.  

Selected Publications

 

Arntzen, E. V., R. J. Flaherty, A. H. Colotelo, R. D. Harnish, J. Vavrinec, S. A. Zimmerman, J. D. Tagestad, and K. Stertz. 2018. Assessment of the effects of total dissolved gas exposure of upper Willamette River Chinook salmon and steelhead below Foster Dam. PNNL-27325. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Liss, S. A., J. S. Hughes, E. F. Fischer, R. J. Flaherty, and J. P. Duncan. 2017. Willamette Valley high head bypass downstream passage prototype evaluation: radio telemetry evaluation of the connecting and bypass pipes at Green Peter Dam, 2016. PNNL-26198. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Hughes, J. S., S. A. Liss, R. J. Flaherty, E. S. Fischer, B. J. Bellgraph, C. V. Vernon, and G. E. Johnson. 2017. Evaluation of juvenile salmonid passage and behavior at Foster Dam using radio telemetry, 2016. PNNL-26416. Final report prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon, Portland, Oregon, by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

 

Flaherty, R. J. 2015. Tags versus genetics: identifying which tool provides the best information about Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) distributions in the California Current. M.S. Thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis.

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Senior Geneticist

B.S. Biological Sciences; Ph.D. Genetics

Phone: (916) 231-1683

 

West Sacramento, California

Scott has over 19 years of experience applying genetic data to population monitoring and fisheries science, including extensive technical experience combining the newest tools of molecular biology and genetics theory with field observations of fish populations and their habitat. He is a recognized expert on the standardization of genetic data and sampling methodology for salmon and has collaborated on the design and implementation of species reintroduction programs, conservation hatchery programs, habitat restoration performance, regional genetic databases, innovative monitoring techniques, and the integration of genetic and geospatial information.

Selected Publications

 

Blankenship, S., G. Schumer, J. Van Eenennaam, and Z. Jackson. 2017. Estimating number of white sturgeon adults from egg relatedness. Fisheries Management and Ecology 24(2):163-172.

 

Finger, A., G. Schumer, A. Benjamin, A. Schreier, and S. Blankenship. 2017. Effective population size of delta smelt. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Sciences.

 

Bergman, P., G. Schumer, S. Blankenship, and E. Campbell. 2016. Detection of adult green sturgeon using environmental DNA analysis. PLoS One 11:e0153500. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153500.

 

Rawding, D. J., C. S. Sharpe, and S. M. Blankenship. 2014. Genetic-based estimates of adult Chinook salmon spawner abundance from carcass surveys and juvenile out-migrant traps. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 143:55-67.

 

Moran, P., D. J. Teel, M. A. Banks, T. D. Beacham, M. R. Bellinger, S. M. Blankenship, J. R. Candy, J. C. Garza, J. E. Hess, S. R. Narum, L. W. Seeb, W. D. Templin, C. G. Wallace, and C. T. Smith. 2013. Divergent life-history races do not represent Chinook salmon coast-wide: the importance of scale in quaternary biogeography. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 70:415-43.  DOI:10.1139/cjfas-2012-0135.

 

Limborg, M. T., S. M. Blankenship, S. F. Young, F. M. Utter, L. W. Seeb, M. H. H. Hansen, and J. E. Seeb. 2012. Signatures of natural selection among lineages and habitats in Oncorhynchus mykiss. Ecology and Evolution 2(1):1-18. DOI:10.1002/ece3.59.

 

Blankenship, S .M., M. R. Campbell, J. E. Hess, M. A. Hess, T. W. Kassler, C. C. Kozfkay, A. P. Matala, S. R. Narum, M. M. Paquin, M. P. Small, J. J. Stephenson, K. I. Warheit, and P. Moran. 2011. Major lineages and metapopulations in Columbia River Oncorhynchus mykiss are structured by dynamic landscape features and environments. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 140:665–684.

 

Blankenship, S. M., B. May, and D. Hedgecock. 2002. Evolution of a perfect simple-sequence-repeat locus in the context of its flanking sequence. Molecular Biology and Evolution 19(11):1943-1951.

 

Hedgecock, D., M. Banks, V. Rashbrook, C. Dean, and S. Blankenship. 2001 Applications of population genetics to conservation of Chinook salmon diversity in the Central Valley. Pages 45-70 in R. L. Brown, R.L., editor. Fish Bulletin 179: Contributions to the biology of Central Valley Salmonids. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

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Senior Biologist
B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology/Environmental Science
Phone: (206) 905-6600

 

Issaquah, Washington

Shelby is skilled in collecting, processing, and analyzing data for a variety of monitoring and assessment projects throughout the Northwest, with an emphasis in the Columbia River Basin. She has experience surveying streams for physical and biological attributes, such as stream topography, large woody debris, and fish abundance observed via snorkel survey and other fish capture techniques. She is experienced in survey methods to map habitats and measure substrate composition, flow, slope, channel conditions, and riparian composition and shading. Shelby helps to plan and lead field crews in large-scale habitat assessments and restoration monitoring projects. Prior to her work at CFS, Shelby worked on multiple projects investigating salmon survival and abundance in the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and Alaska. Shelby is skilled in GIS and R programming and performs analysis, mapping, QA/QC, and data management. She contributes to many aspects of projects, including, generating and refining protocols, leading data analysis and reporting, and presenting at conferences and to stakeholders. 

Selected Publications

 

Roni, P., C. Clark, M. Krall, S. Burgess, and K. Ross. 2020. Bonneville Power Administration Action Effectiveness Monitoring Program – 2019 Annual Report. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Project Number 2016-001-00, Portland, Oregon.

 

Clark, C., P. Roni, and S. Burgess. 2019. Response of juvenile salmonids to large wood placement in Columbia River tributaries. Hydrobiologia 842(1):173-190.

 

Burgess, S., K. Ross, C. Clark, M. Krall, D. Arterburn, and J. Hall. 2019. Lower Mainstem Nooksack River salmon habitat assessment. Draft Report to Whatcom County Public Works Department, Bellingham, WA.

 

Hall, J. E., K. Ceder, S. Burgess, D. Arterburn, C. Clark, K. Ross, and P. Roni. 2019. Upper Wenatchee pilot project: aquatic habitat assessment and restoration strategy. Final Report to the United States Forest Service, Wenatchee River Ranger District, Leavenworth, WA.

 

Roni, P., C. Clark, M. Krall, S. Burgess, and K. Ross. 2019. Bonneville Power Administration Action Effectiveness Monitoring Program – 2018 Annual Report. Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Project Number 2016-001-00, Portland, Oregon.

 

Roni, R., T. De Boer, C. Clark, and S. Burgess. 2018. Spring Chinook egg-to-fry survival in the Twisp river basin. Final Report to Douglas County Public Utility District, East Wenatchee, Washington.

 

Burgess, S., E. W. Jackson, L. Schwarzman, N. Gezon, and J. T. Lehman. 2015. Improved estimates of calanoid copepod biomass in the St. Lawrence Great Lakes. Journal of Great Lakes Research 41: 484-491.

 

Dethier, M. N., A. Brown, S. Burgess, M. E. Eisenlord, A. W. E. Galloway, J. Kimber, A. T. Lowe, C. M. O’Neil, W. R. Raymond, E. A. Sosik, and D. O. Duggins. 2014. Degrading detritus: Changes in food quality of aging kelp tissue varies with species. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 460:72-79.

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Science Operations Manager, Senior Scientist
B.S. Fisheries Biology; Ph.D. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
Phone: (916) 240-6237

 

Auburn, California

Steve has 18 years of experience conducting fisheries research in a diversity of aquatic systems from large floodplain rivers and estuaries in Texas and California to headwater streams in Costa Rica. His interests include river restoration strategies, predator-prey interactions, community dynamics, and population modeling.  He has conducted research on a wide range of species from gar and large river minnows to anadromous salmonids and sturgeon. Steve actively leads a team of biologists conducting numerous projects at CFS, ranging from field investigations and monitoring efforts to interdisciplinary modeling of complex adaptive management programs.

Selected Publications

 

Zeug, S. C., J. Wiesenfeld, K. Sellheim, A. Brodsky, J. E. Merz. 2019. Assessment of juvenile Chinook salmon rearing habitat potential prior to species reintroduction. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 39:762-777.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, J. Melgo, J. E. Merz.. In Press. Spatial variation of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) survival in a modifies California river. Environmental Biology of Fishes.

 

Brodsky, A., S. C. Zeug, J. Nelson, J. Hannon, and P. Anders. 2019. Does broodstock source affect post-release survival of threatened steelhead? Implications of replacing a non-native hatchery stock for recovery.  Environmental Biology of Fishes, Special Edition. In Review.

 

Zeug, S. C., F. V. Feyrer, A. Brodsky, and J. Melgo. 2017. Piscivore diet response to a collapse in pelagic prey populations. Environmental Biology of Fishes 100(8):947-958.

 

Zeug, S. C., A. Brodsky, N. Kogut, A. R. Stewart, and J. E. Merz. 2014. Ancient fish and recent invaders: white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) diet response to invasive species-mediated changes in a benthic prey assemblage. Marine Ecology Progress Series 514:163-174.

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2014. Controls on the entrainment of juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) into large water diversions and estimates of population-level loss. PLoS One 9(7): e101479. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0101479.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, B. Rook, J. Hannon, J. Zimmerman, D. Cox, and J. Merz. 2014. Gravel augmentation increases spawning utilization by anadromous salmonids: a case study from California, USA. River Research and Applications 30(6):707-718.

 

Zeug, S. C., K. Sellheim, C. Watry, J. D. Wikert, and J. Merz. 2014. Response of juvenile Chinook Salmon to managed flow: lessons learned from a population at the southern extent of their range in North America. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21:155-168.

 

Zeug, S. C., and B. J. Cavallo. 2013. Influence of estuary conditions on the recovery rate of coded wire tagged Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in an ocean fishery. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 22:157-168.

 

Zeug, S. C., P. S. Bergman, B. J. Cavallo, and K. S. Jones. 2012. Application of a life cycle simulation model to evaluate impacts of water management and conservation actions on an endangered population of Chinook Salmon. Environmental Modeling and Assessment 17:455-467.

 

Zeug, S.C., L.  K. Albertson, H. S. Lenihan, J. Hardy, and B. Cardinale. 2011. Predictors of Chinook population extirpations in the Central Valley of California. Fisheries Management and Ecology 18:61-71.

 

Albertson, L. K., B. J. Cardinale, S. C. Zeug, H. S. Lenihan, L. Harrison, and A. M. Wydzga. 2011. Impacts of gravel augmentation on invertebrate assemblages in a restored river. Restoration Ecology 19:627-638.

 

Zeug, S. C., D. Peretti, and K. O. Winemiller. 2009. Movement into floodplain habitats by gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) revealed by dietary and stable isotope analyses. Environmental Biology of Fishes 84:307-314.

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