Fisheries and aquatic ecosystem managers require fundamental information on the resources that they are stewarding. My studies of fish and mussel community composition, population structure (size, age, and genetic), species distributions and life history, and are designed to meet these needs. For example, I am involved in research to evaluate the cause of freshwater mussel mortalities in the Clinch River of Virginia and Tennessee. This project seeks to determine if hydrology, disease, or their interactions are associated with mass mortalities using in-situ experiments, field-based studies, and the demographic information that can be extracted from mussel shells.

Demonstrating the value and functions of aquatic ecosystems is one of the best ways to ensure their protection and quantification of fishery participation and satisfaction, and harvest rates is crucial for their management. I have studied both recreational fisheries in Southeastern impoundments and Carribean estuaries as well as artisanal amphidromous postlarvae fisheries. Importantly, I have quantified the ecosystem functions and services, including nutrient and contaminant subsidies associated with fish migrations.

Restorations are implemented when ecosystems undergo transformations to unfavorable alternate states. The success of aquatic ecosystem restorations are maximized with research prior to, during, and following the restoration. I have been involved in both research on, and implementation of, multiple kinds of restorations. Specifically, I am involved with research and restorations of freshwater fish and mussel populations, aquatic connectivity, and a beach dune habitat. I am also involved in synthetic research to build a high-level decision framework for the management of ecosystem transformation, which may involve decisions other than restoration.