Research

We address global environmental challenges

The Science of the Environment

With a strong, diverse research portfolio, our faculty share a passion for understanding the living world and applying ecological principles to solving societal challenges. We focus our research on aquaculture, conservation biology, ecology, environmental change, environmental toxicology, fisheries and wildlife.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture research programs range from applied studies on methods for rearing fish to fundamental research on mechanisms controlling reproduction and growth.

Conservation Biology

Some of the critical issues addressed in conservation biology include the habitat requirements of different populations; factors important to movement, growth, reproduction, and mortality; and interactions among species.

Ecology

Ecosystems studied include marine waters, coastal estuaries, rivers, lakes, forests, and deserts; and techniques applied range from genetic analyses to behavioral observations.

Environmental Toxicology

Research in environmental toxicology address toxicological issues related to environmental quality and health. Areas of focus include water quality, environmental contaminants and food safety, and the status and trends of fish and wildlife species.

Fisheries

Most of our fisheries and wildlife faculty research programs focus on fish, but birds and mammals are also represented.

Wildlife

Departmental research in fisheries and wildlife ranges from fundamental studies on evolutionary strategies for habitat exploitation and predator-prey interactions to research with direct applications in the assessment and management of species and ecosystems.

Facilities

Whether on campus, the coast and in the mountains, researchers at our scientific facilities — labs, stations and centers — conduct research for a variety of purposes and populations.

Department Facilities