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Fish Physiology

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By Eastern Ecological Science Center February 9, 2018

Physiological demands are especially important to anadromous fish because of their need to move between freshwater and seawater and to make long, often difficult migrations.

These demands can become critical when barriers to migration and other changes in river ecosystems occur. We are particularly interested in how environmental change, both of 'natural' and 'human' origins, affects normal growth and development in anadromous fish. Physiological systems such as ion regulation, stress, energetics, growth and reproduction are critical for survival of migratory fish.  Environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, stress, hatchery practices, dams and pollution may affect normal development of these systems. Because of threats to their survival in many rivers in the northeastern US, salmon, shad, blueback herring, alewives and sturgeon are the anadromous species of primary interest.  

Physiological demands are especially important to anadromous fish because of their need to move between freshwater and seawater and to make long, often difficult migrations.

These demands can become critical when barriers to migration and other changes in river ecosystems occur. We are particularly interested in how environmental change, both of 'natural' and 'human' origins, affects normal growth and development in anadromous fish. Physiological systems such as ion regulation, stress, energetics, growth and reproduction are critical for survival of migratory fish.  Environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, stress, hatchery practices, dams and pollution may affect normal development of these systems. Because of threats to their survival in many rivers in the northeastern US, salmon, shad, blueback herring, alewives and sturgeon are the anadromous species of primary interest.  

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