Barbara Martin
My career has focused on two main areas of research 1) effects of contaminants on the aquatic environment and 2) habitat requirements of endangered species. Currently I am part of a team focused on identifying the causes of the declining Lost River and shortnose sucker populations in Upper Klamath Lake. My research is primarily composed of laboratory trials and combines my two areas of expertise.
Research Interests:
My long term research interests include examining the effects of contaminants and toxicants on imperiled species. My current research is focused on conducting laboratory experiments on Lost River suckers to try and determine what is preventing juvenile suckers from reaching maturity. It was hypothesized that age-0 juvenile sucker mortality increased due to the ingestion of prey items that had high levels of microcystin. Using laboratory experiments, I have been looking into the effects of ingested microcystin on Lost River suckers. Future laboratory experiments will focus on potential nutritional shortcomings, environmental effects on growth and condition of suckers, and effects of environmental contaminant on suckers. These laboratory experiments are fueled by observations in the field and provide supporting evidence for field and mesocosm studies.
Professional Experience
2011 to Present - Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Klamath Falls Field Station, Klamath Falls, OR
1999-2011 - Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Dixon Duty Station, Dixon, CA
1997-1999 - Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Dixon Duty Station, Dixon, CA
1995-1997 - Graduate Research Assistant, Humboldt State University Foundation, Arcata, CA
1989-1995 - Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ National Biological Survey, National Fisheries Contaminant Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA
Education and Certifications
M.S. Fishery Biology. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Fisheries Society
Honors and Awards
Secretary Cal-Neva Chapter American Fishery Society 2011
Science and Products
Selenium in aquatic biota inhabiting agricultural drains in the Salton Sea Basin, California
Patterns of larval sucker emigration from the Sprague and lower Williamson Rivers of the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon, after the removal of Chiloquin Dam - 2009-10 Annual Report
Assessment of two nonnative poeciliid fishes for monitoring selenium exposure in the endangered desert pupfish
Unusual dominance by desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) in experimental ponds within the Salton Sea Basin
Final report: Baseline selenium monitoring of agricultural drains operated by the Imperial Irrigation District in the Salton Sea Basin
Mercury concentrations in fish from a Sierra Nevada foothill reservoir located downstream from historic gold-mining operations
Trophic relationships of small nonnative fishes in a natural creek and several agricultural drains flowing into the Salton Sea, and their potential, effects on the endangered desert pupfish
Habitat requirements of the endangered California freshwater shrimp (Syncaris pacifica) in lagunitas and Olema creeks, Marin County, California, USA
Year 3 summary report: Baseline selenium monitoring of agricultural drains operated by the Imperial Irrigation District in the Salton Sea Basin
Relation between mortality of prickly sculpin and diurnal extremes in water quality at Rodeo Lagoon, Marin County, California
Life history and ecological characteristics of the Santa Ana sucker, Catostomus santaanae
Relation of desert pupfish abundance to selected environmental variables in natural and manmade habitats in the Salton Sea basin
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Selenium in aquatic biota inhabiting agricultural drains in the Salton Sea Basin, California
Patterns of larval sucker emigration from the Sprague and lower Williamson Rivers of the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon, after the removal of Chiloquin Dam - 2009-10 Annual Report
Assessment of two nonnative poeciliid fishes for monitoring selenium exposure in the endangered desert pupfish
Unusual dominance by desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) in experimental ponds within the Salton Sea Basin
Final report: Baseline selenium monitoring of agricultural drains operated by the Imperial Irrigation District in the Salton Sea Basin
Mercury concentrations in fish from a Sierra Nevada foothill reservoir located downstream from historic gold-mining operations
Trophic relationships of small nonnative fishes in a natural creek and several agricultural drains flowing into the Salton Sea, and their potential, effects on the endangered desert pupfish
Habitat requirements of the endangered California freshwater shrimp (Syncaris pacifica) in lagunitas and Olema creeks, Marin County, California, USA
Year 3 summary report: Baseline selenium monitoring of agricultural drains operated by the Imperial Irrigation District in the Salton Sea Basin
Relation between mortality of prickly sculpin and diurnal extremes in water quality at Rodeo Lagoon, Marin County, California
Life history and ecological characteristics of the Santa Ana sucker, Catostomus santaanae
Relation of desert pupfish abundance to selected environmental variables in natural and manmade habitats in the Salton Sea basin
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government