Much of our research explores the effects of habitat and environmental change on fish and food webs in the San Francisco Estuary.  We lead the Interagency Ecological Program's Suisun Marsh Fish Study, which was started by Peter Moyle over 40 years ago. We have another long-term study on the effects of habitat, hydrodynamics, water quality, and food webs on fish communities in the northern California Delta. 

Projects: 

Suisun Marsh Fish Study - 1980-present - Project Lead: Abigale Deen

(sponsored by  California Department of Water Resources)

North Delta Ecosystem Study - 2012-present -Project Lead: Mason Rogers

(sponsored by Solano County Water Agency)

We are particularly interested in wetlands, complex habitats that support many species of fish, mammals and birds. Most of the wetlands in the SF Estuary have been destroyed, but some are being restored. We study the effects of both traditional and novel wetland management on food webs and fishes. Our research supports the idea that non-traditional practices that can be implemented in ag lands and ponds can support ecosystem recovery. 

Projects:

Using Citizen Science to Quantify Prey Types of Piscivorous Birds in the San Francisco Estuary - 2025-present - Project Leads: Lynette Williams and Ella Davis

Socio-ecological Potential for Co-management of Tidal Wetlands for Fish and Fowl - 2022-present - Project Leads: John Durand (UCD) and Jake Souza (ICF) 

(in collaboration with ICF International and Suisun Resource Conservation District)

(sponsored by California Department of Fish and Wildlife Prop 1 Restoration Grant)

Montezuma Wetlands Fish & Habitat Study - 2020-present - Project Lead: Elsie Platzer

(sponsored by Montezuma Wetlands LLC)

The physical structure, or geomorphology,  of tidal systems interacts with tides and flows to create a complicated and diverse landscape. We study nutrient cycling and production in floodplain habitats and managed wetlands, which act as food web accelerators. We are also part of various multi-disciplinary projects that focus on modelling to understanding how the Delta and Estuary may change with different landscape, hydrodynamic, and climate futures. We are broadly interested in how we can anticipate ecologic change with alterations in future management.

Projects:

Collaboratory for Equity in Water Allocation (COEQWAL) - 2023-present - Project Lead: Elsie Platzer and Lynette Williams

(sponsored by UC Climate Initiative)

Just Transitions in the Delta - 2023-present - Project Lead: Lynette and Elsie Platzer

(sponsored by Multi-Campus Research Programs and Initiatives UC Office of the President) 

Enhanced Plankton Production in Flood-Pulse Managed Ponds in Suisun Marsh - 2022-present - Project Leads: Kyle Phillips and Alice Tung 

(sponsored by California Department of Water Resources)

We have a number of studies dedicated to conservation of California fishes, including salmon, hitch, and centrarchids. We are particularly interested in examining understudied waterways or areas with recent anthropogenic habitat changes. 

Active Projects:

Marsh Creek Salmon and Hitch Study - 2025-present - Project lead: Christian Long 

(in collaboration with Contra Costa Conservation District)

Arboretum Fish Assemblage Study - 2025-present - Project Leads: Ellie Lawrence, Mae York, and Shay Barton 

(in collaboration with UCD Arboretum)

Cache Creek Fish Assemblage and Water Quality Study - 2025-present - Project Leads: Aidan Rafols and Bryce Englert

(sponsored by UCD Center for Watershed Sciences)

Pursuing the establishment of Reconciliatory Centrarchid Habitat (PERCH) Study - 2024-present - Project Lead: Mason Rogers. 

(sponsored by California Department of Water Resources)