Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
David A. Beauchamp, Ph.D.
Dave Beauchamp is an aquatic ecologist. His primary areas of research include tactical food web ecology, development and application of bioenergetics and visual foraging models, designed to identify, quantify, and address factors limiting salmonid populations in freshwater and marine environments in response to climate change, dams, urbanization, invasive species, and artificial light at night.
Dave has been chief of the Ecology Section at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle since 2016. He was previously a professor for 23 years in the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit programs at Utah State University (6 years) and the University of Washington (17 years). His research program focuses on a mechanistic, empirically-based balance of field observations and measurements, experimentation, analysis, and modeling with an emphasis on sampling or experimenting with the appropriate life stages of species from relevant habitats and seasons that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the research question.
Recent research topics included:
- Diagnosing processes that affect marine survival and size-selective mortality of steelhead, Chinook and coho salmon
- Climate impacts on salmonids in watersheds, especially lake and reservoir food webs
- Feasibility of reintroducing salmon above dams based on food web processes, climate & environmental variability
- Impacts of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on salmon behavior and predation mortality
- Development and application of bioenergetics models to address problems related to climate impacts, other environmental stressors (hypoxia, salinity, disease, contaminants, pH, etc.), quantitative food web interactions, invasive species, feasibility of species introductions, management of regulated rivers
- Development and application of visual foraging models to address problems related to impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN), the role of the visual environment on the structure and function of aquatic food webs
Science and Products
WFRC Ecology Section - Projects Overview
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Species Studied - Cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii )
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Species Studied - Chinook Salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha )
Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Species Studied - Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus )
Artificial Light At Night Reflected into Lake Washington
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial Light At Night Over Lake Washington, WA
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Light Sensor Attached to Boat for Artificial Light At Night Study
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientists are investigating the relationship between ALAN, predators’ hunting ability, and juvenile salmon survival in Lake Washington. This includes using a new instrument that overcomes significant issues experienced when attempting to measure light at night underwater.
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientists are investigating the relationship between ALAN, predators’ hunting ability, and juvenile salmon survival in Lake Washington. This includes using a new instrument that overcomes significant issues experienced when attempting to measure light at night underwater.
Artificial Light At Night Boat
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Boat Used to Study Artificial Light at Night in Seattle, WA
Photos shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project:
This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Photos shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project:
This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Scientists Working on Measuring Artificial Light at Night in Seattle, WA
Photo shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project. This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Photo shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project. This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 2)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 2)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 1)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 1)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
Four nets submerged in a stream to capture drifting invertebrates
Sampling drifting invertebrates from a stream in the North Cascades of Washington State. We perform drift sampling to determine the invertebrate prey quality and quantity available for drift feeding fish. Data gathered from this sampling are used in bioenergetics modeling, a method of estimating fish growth potential.
Sampling drifting invertebrates from a stream in the North Cascades of Washington State. We perform drift sampling to determine the invertebrate prey quality and quantity available for drift feeding fish. Data gathered from this sampling are used in bioenergetics modeling, a method of estimating fish growth potential.
Conducting water quality and light at depth measurements Lake Washington
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting water quality and light at depth measurements during Landsat-8 overpass windows on Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting water quality and light at depth measurements during Landsat-8 overpass windows on Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront, viewed from Seattle shoreline
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront, viewed from the Seattle shoreline
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront viewed from the Seattle shoreline.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront viewed from the Seattle shoreline.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents. This fish was sampled as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents. This fish was sampled as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Scientists staging equipment on dock at Ross Lake, Washington preparing for field work
Researchers stage sampling equipment at the Ross Lake boat ramp and wait for boat to arrive to transport them to camping area. Food web sampling on large lakes requires a substantial amount of sampling gear. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Researchers stage sampling equipment at the Ross Lake boat ramp and wait for boat to arrive to transport them to camping area. Food web sampling on large lakes requires a substantial amount of sampling gear. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Scientist angling on Ross Lake as part of food web study
Marshal Hoy, a Biological Science Technician, angling on Ross Lake for Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) food web study in October 2021. As a part of this study, fish are sampled for stomach contents, scale samples to assess age and growth, and fin tissue for stable isotopes and genetic analysis.
Marshal Hoy, a Biological Science Technician, angling on Ross Lake for Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) food web study in October 2021. As a part of this study, fish are sampled for stomach contents, scale samples to assess age and growth, and fin tissue for stable isotopes and genetic analysis.
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake, Washington in preparation for food web study
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake during a week-long sampling trip for a food web study. Ross Lake is a large reservoir on the Upper Skagit River in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake during a week-long sampling trip for a food web study. Ross Lake is a large reservoir on the Upper Skagit River in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Scenic view of Ross Lake, Washington
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process. To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process. To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Researcher holding a crayfish collected in Diablo Lake
A native crayfish collected in Diablo Lake for an investigation into food availability for native fish and limitations to their growth. Crayfish are invertebrate prey for salmonids and provide useful representative stable isotope values for benthic members of the food web.
A native crayfish collected in Diablo Lake for an investigation into food availability for native fish and limitations to their growth. Crayfish are invertebrate prey for salmonids and provide useful representative stable isotope values for benthic members of the food web.
Photo of a juvenile native char in a viewing box at Ross Lake, WA
Researchers placed a juvenile native char into a viewing box to help identify the species. This fish was collected as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State in order to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Researchers placed a juvenile native char into a viewing box to help identify the species. This fish was collected as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State in order to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Scenic view of Ross Lake, Washington with boat wake
Evening shot of Ross Lake with boat wake. Heading back to camp after a day of research. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process.
Evening shot of Ross Lake with boat wake. Heading back to camp after a day of research. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process.
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon for an investigation of cannibalism and predation impacts.
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon for an investigation of cannibalism and predation impacts.
Science and Products
WFRC Ecology Section - Projects Overview
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Species Studied - Cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii )
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Species Studied - Chinook Salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha )
Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Species Studied - Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus )
Artificial Light At Night Reflected into Lake Washington
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial Light At Night Over Lake Washington, WA
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Light Sensor Attached to Boat for Artificial Light At Night Study
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientists are investigating the relationship between ALAN, predators’ hunting ability, and juvenile salmon survival in Lake Washington. This includes using a new instrument that overcomes significant issues experienced when attempting to measure light at night underwater.
USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientists are investigating the relationship between ALAN, predators’ hunting ability, and juvenile salmon survival in Lake Washington. This includes using a new instrument that overcomes significant issues experienced when attempting to measure light at night underwater.
Artificial Light At Night Boat
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) can be a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Light in the sky penetrates through the water and brightens the water column. Even small increases in light at night can dramatically improve some predators’ ability to hunt and kill their prey.
Boat Used to Study Artificial Light at Night in Seattle, WA
Photos shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project:
This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Photos shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project:
This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Scientists Working on Measuring Artificial Light at Night in Seattle, WA
Photo shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project. This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
Photo shared by Dave Beauchamp from the first week of quantitative light measurements for the Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) project. This week was a big data collection push, with 2 boats out nightly Tuesday through Thursday, plus day activities and prep.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 2)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 2)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 1)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
USGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in a Skagit River Delta eelgrass meadow at low tide (Image 1)
linkUSGS scientist setting up underwater video cameras in an eelgrass meadow on the Skagit River Delta. Eelgrass grows in shallow marine and estuarine waters where it forms structurally complex habitats that support many other aquatic species by providing attachment substrate, food, refuge from predation, and nursery areas.
Four nets submerged in a stream to capture drifting invertebrates
Sampling drifting invertebrates from a stream in the North Cascades of Washington State. We perform drift sampling to determine the invertebrate prey quality and quantity available for drift feeding fish. Data gathered from this sampling are used in bioenergetics modeling, a method of estimating fish growth potential.
Sampling drifting invertebrates from a stream in the North Cascades of Washington State. We perform drift sampling to determine the invertebrate prey quality and quantity available for drift feeding fish. Data gathered from this sampling are used in bioenergetics modeling, a method of estimating fish growth potential.
Conducting water quality and light at depth measurements Lake Washington
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting water quality and light at depth measurements during Landsat-8 overpass windows on Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting water quality and light at depth measurements during Landsat-8 overpass windows on Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront, viewed from Seattle shoreline
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront, viewed from the Seattle shoreline
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront viewed from the Seattle shoreline.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lighting from the Kirkland waterfront viewed from the Seattle shoreline.
Photo taken from Magnuson boat launch before conducting a synoptic light survey of Lake Washington for the U.S. Geological Survey.
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents. This fish was sampled as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Researchers perform gastric lavage on a rainbow trout to sample its stomach contents. This fish was sampled as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Scientists staging equipment on dock at Ross Lake, Washington preparing for field work
Researchers stage sampling equipment at the Ross Lake boat ramp and wait for boat to arrive to transport them to camping area. Food web sampling on large lakes requires a substantial amount of sampling gear. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Researchers stage sampling equipment at the Ross Lake boat ramp and wait for boat to arrive to transport them to camping area. Food web sampling on large lakes requires a substantial amount of sampling gear. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Scientist angling on Ross Lake as part of food web study
Marshal Hoy, a Biological Science Technician, angling on Ross Lake for Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) food web study in October 2021. As a part of this study, fish are sampled for stomach contents, scale samples to assess age and growth, and fin tissue for stable isotopes and genetic analysis.
Marshal Hoy, a Biological Science Technician, angling on Ross Lake for Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) food web study in October 2021. As a part of this study, fish are sampled for stomach contents, scale samples to assess age and growth, and fin tissue for stable isotopes and genetic analysis.
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake, Washington in preparation for food web study
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake during a week-long sampling trip for a food web study. Ross Lake is a large reservoir on the Upper Skagit River in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
USGS boat tied to dock at Ross Lake during a week-long sampling trip for a food web study. Ross Lake is a large reservoir on the Upper Skagit River in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state.
Scenic view of Ross Lake, Washington
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process. To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process. To learn more about this project and other related research you can visit the WFRC Ecology Section website.
Researcher holding a crayfish collected in Diablo Lake
A native crayfish collected in Diablo Lake for an investigation into food availability for native fish and limitations to their growth. Crayfish are invertebrate prey for salmonids and provide useful representative stable isotope values for benthic members of the food web.
A native crayfish collected in Diablo Lake for an investigation into food availability for native fish and limitations to their growth. Crayfish are invertebrate prey for salmonids and provide useful representative stable isotope values for benthic members of the food web.
Photo of a juvenile native char in a viewing box at Ross Lake, WA
Researchers placed a juvenile native char into a viewing box to help identify the species. This fish was collected as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State in order to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Researchers placed a juvenile native char into a viewing box to help identify the species. This fish was collected as a part of a food web study on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Washington State in order to evaluate fish growth and limitations to production.
Scenic view of Ross Lake, Washington with boat wake
Evening shot of Ross Lake with boat wake. Heading back to camp after a day of research. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process.
Evening shot of Ross Lake with boat wake. Heading back to camp after a day of research. Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state. This photo was taken while conducting food web research to support the Skagit River Hydroelectric Dam FERC relicensing process.
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon for an investigation of cannibalism and predation impacts.
Flushing stomach contents from a live resident Chinook salmon for an investigation of cannibalism and predation impacts.