Louisiana Research: Projects, Research Publications, Presentations, Thesis and Dissertations, Technical Publications

Louisiana Research Activities

The Louisiana Unit studies wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife to enhance their conservation and management. Shown from left to right: blue crab, dead trees from salt water intrusion, students in airboat in the marsh, snow geese arising at dawn from a wetland at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and a student examining a massive baldcypress tree at Cache River National Wildlife Refuge.

Research at the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit largely revolves around wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife. We work across the U.S., with occassional international research, in coastal marshes, riverine systems, and other inland freshwater wetlands. We study the biotic and abiotic processes that structure wetlands, including hydrology, soils, and geomorphology. In addition, waterfowl, other waterbirds,fish, oysters, crabs, aquatic invertebrates, and plants are often studied.

Projects

Project	Completion Date
Effects of Hydrologic and Geomorphic Processes on bottomland hardwood plant communites of the lower White River basin, Arkansas	September 2015	We are evaluating the effects of altered hydrology and channel entrenchment on establishment patterns of bottomland hardwood forests on the lower White River.	None
Coupled hydrodynamic-oyster population model for Breton Sound Estuary	August 2014	This project proposes to develop a spatial, process-driven hydrodynamic and oyster population coupled model which can be used to project and predict the impacts of coastal restoration activities, coupled with climate change (relative sea level rise) that will critically inform decisions related to maintaining sustainable and productive oyster aquaculture.	This project proposes to develop a spatial, process-driven hydrodynamic and oyster population coupled model which can be used to project and predict the impacts of coastal restoration activities, coupled with climate change (relative sea level rise) that will critically inform decisions related to maintaining sustainable and productive oyster aquaculture.
Occurrence and variation in submersed aquatic vegetation along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico	August 2020	Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities are highly productive ecosystems that provide significant ecological benefits within coastal areas, including support for many important species of fish and wildlife. Despite their critical importance, and loss globally, we lack consistent baseline data on SAV resources across the coastal salinity gradient. This project will provide data on the occurrence and abundance of SAV resources (e.g., coverage, composition, seed resources) within the northern Gulf of Mexico, quantitatively assess environmental factors affecting its spatial and temporal variation and develop a conceptual model of factors influencing SAV resources. These data are critical in identifying empirical relationships between SAV resources and environmental variables, and will enable predictive modeling of SAV resources under different scenarios of landscape and climate change.	Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities are highly productive ecosystems that provide significant ecological benefits within coastal areas, including support for many important species of fish and wildlife. Despite their critical importance, and loss globally, we lack consistent baseline data on SAV resources across the coastal salinity gradient. This project will provide data on the occurrence and abundance of SAV resources (e.g., coverage, composition, seed resources) within the northern Gulf of Mexico, quantitatively assess environmental factors affecting its spatial and temporal variation and develop a conceptual model of factors influencing SAV resources. These data are critical in identifying empirical relationships between SAV resources and environmental variables, and will enable predictive modeling of SAV resources under different scenarios of landscape and climate change. This work will contribute to the refinement of existing models of ecosystem change and directly benefit efforts of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV), Gulf Coast Prairies (GCP) Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC), and Gulf Coastal Plains and Ozarks (GCPO) LCC in forecasting the effects of these changes on distribution, abundance, and diversity of SAV resources and the priority fish and wildlife populations that depend upon them.
Variability of Waterbird Food Abundance Due to Agricultural Management Practices Within Rice Fields and Crawfish Ponds of Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas	May 2015	Rice and crawfish aquaculture are dominant land uses in southwestern Louisiana and they encompass over 300,000 acres in the region. Wintering, breeding, and migrating waterbirds use these habitats extensively, however, little is known about food availability and how food availability varies according to land management practices. This study will evaluate the abundance, biomass, and species composition of fish, crawfish, and aquatic macroinvertebrates in the water column within selected rice and crawfish fields of southwestern Louisiana and southeast Texas. Collections will be made monthly for one year and the effects of land management practices on food availability will be deterimined. In addition, we will develop a classification system of rice and crawfish ponds based upon vegetation structure and density, water depths, and other variables to better understand the temporal distribution of habitat types.	None
Evaluation of hydrologic, geomorphic and vegetative conditions on avian communities of the Middle Rio Grande	May 2014	The Middle Rio Grande River has undergone substantial hydrologic, geomorphic and vegetative changes over the last few centuries. Reduced flows in the river due to water allocations and droughts further threaten avian communities in this system. This study will evaluate the effects of hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetative conditions on avian communities and will provide quantitative information for a broader study that is focused on the development of a decision support tool to guide water allocation decisions in the Middle Rio Grande.	The Middle Rio Grande River has undergone substantial hydrologic, geomorphic and vegetative changes over the last few centuries. Reduced flows in the river due to water allocations and droughts further threaten avian communities in this system. This study will evaluate the effects of hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetative conditions on avian communities and will provide quantitative information for a broader study that is focused on the development of a decision support tool to guide water allocation decisions in the Middle Rio Grande. Partners included U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of Bosque del Apache.
Assessment of Food Availability for Reintroduced Whooping Cranes	August 2011	The Whooping Crane was placed on the endangered species list in 1970 and was grandfathered into the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Since that time, the wild population has increased to about 235 birds (Tom Stehn, USFWS, personal communication). The Whooping Crane Recovery Plan, however, calls for the successful establishment of at least 3 breeding populations (including the wild flock) of at least 25 breeding pairs. Currently, efforts are underway to establish a migratory population that breeds in Wisconsin and winters in Florida. An experiment with a resident population in Florida has been deemed unsuccessful. In January 2007, the Whooping Crane Recovery Team formally endorsed intensive studies of habitat suitability, disease risk to the wild population, and socioeconomics to determine whether or not Louisiana would be a suitable site for reintroduction of Whooping Cranes (please see attached letter from Tom Stehn). Louisiana has a rich history in the story of the Whooping Crane as it historically supported both resident and wintering populations (Allen 1952). Allen (1952) indicated that Whooping Cranes used a variety of habitats in Louisiana, including tallgrass prairie, panicum marsh (paille-fine), prairie swale and prairie marsh, sawgrass and deep marsh, and sea-rim and brackish marsh (see Gomez (1992) for a more detailed summary). It has been surmised that the tallgrass prairie of Louisiana supported more Whooping Cranes than any other region in the country. Allen (1952) roughly estimated that as many as 2,500 Whooping Cranes could have wintered in this region. It has also been suggested that Whooping Cranes bred in the many potholes, or platains, in the prairie as well. E. A. McIllhenny reported that in the first half of 1880’s it was still abundant on prairies of Jeff Davis, Allen, Evangeline and Acadia Parishes (Allen 1952). As hunting pressure and rice agriculture increased throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, however, the breeding birds (and wintering) were exterminated from the prairies. The last record of Whooping Cranes on Louisiana prairies occurred in 1918, when a farmer shot 12 of the birds that were feeding on rice near his thresher (Allen 1952). Whooping Cranes were also abundant in a variety of other Louisiana habitats. Whooping Cranes wintered in the marshes at the fringe of the coastal prairie and in marshes near the cheniers of southwestern Louisiana. Interestingly, this interspersion of upland oak habitats with abundant marshes mimics in many ways the habitat structure used by the wild population at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Clearly, the most infamous location in Louisiana was that located by John Lynch in 1939 near White Lake in southwestern Louisiana (Gomez et al. 2005). This large paille-finne marsh was nearly inaccessible until the development of the intracoastal canal in 1929-1930. On May 15, 1939, Lynch located 13 Whooping Cranes including 2 current year chicks. According to locals, this flock was at one time much larger and stretched nearly 19 km to Grand Lake, but over hunting and other human and natural causes led to a decline in the population (Allen 1952). On 7 August 1940, a major hurricane accompanied by massive rainfall scattered the cranes Lynch had observed. Normally occupied habitats were flooded up to 1 m deep until October and water levels did not return to normal until the summer of 1941 (Stevenson 1942). Only 6 of the 13 birds returned. The birds continued to decline and in March 1950 the last remaining Whooping Crane in the White Lake marshes was captured with the aid of a helicopter (Gomez 1992). This marked a temporary end of the Whooping Crane in Louisiana. Ironically, approximately 2 weeks before the WCRT meeting in January 2007, a Whooping Crane from the reintroduced migrant flock in Florida was located in southeast Louisiana, where it remained for nearly 2 months. This bird marked the first verified sighting of a Whooping Crane in Louisiana since 1950. Whooping Cranes are an important part of the cultural and natural heritage of our state. This charismatic species could serve as an ambassador to other areas in the United States of Louisiana’s coastal wetland issues. The reintroduction of this species would also bring signs of hope and recovery following the devastating hurricanes of 2005. Furthermore, the potential for tourism revenues from Whooping Cranes would provide important income to the state of Louisiana. It is estimated that Whooping Crane-related activities contribute about $6 million annually to the local economy near Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (Tom Stehn, Chair, Whooping Crane Recovery Team, personal communication) and Whooping Cranes would only add to a growing ecotourism economy in the region. Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in Louisiana, if it is indeed deemed suitable, will be a long-term and expensive commitment. As such, detailed information is needed to assess the risks and maximize the possibility of success. An analysis of migration patterns of Sandhill Cranes wintering in Louisiana (funded by LDWF; led by Dr. Sammy King) is nearly completed and is providing important information related to the potential for interflock mixing and the identification of potential migration routes for Whooping Cranes to Louisiana (http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/King/Sandhill%20Crane%20Research.htm). An analysis of disease risk will be conducted by veterinarians to determine whether a reintroduction would put the wild flock at risk. Lastly, as habitats in coastal Louisiana have undergone significant changes in the last few decades (Barras et al. 2003), detailed habitat suitability studies must still be conducted prior to reintroduction; by identifying suitable habitat, the recovery team will be able to minimize risk and assure success to the extent it is possible for Whooping Crane re-introduction in Louisiana. The WCRT would like detailed evaluations of White Lake and Marsh Island as potential reintroduction sites for a resident and migrant flock of Whooping Cranes, respectively (see attached letter from Tom Stehn, Chair, Whooping Crane Recovery Team). Many changes in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands have occurred since the 1930’s when Whooping Cranes were last observed at White Lake. Extensive wetland loss, although much less severe in southwestern Louisiana, and the continued effects of the Intracoastal Waterway on White Lake are of concern. In spite of these concerns, however, several areas in the region were noted to be good to excellent Whooping Crane habitat in a WCRT commissioned study in the 1990s (Cannon 1998). Based on food availability, pond characteristics and vegetation structure, Marsh Island, Rockefeller Refuge, and Rainey Sanctuary (owned by Audubon) were all viewed favorably (Cannon 1998). A subsequent, low-intensity study was conducted at Marsh Island to evaluate crab densities during the winter period; Marsh Island received high scores for its food availability (Sherry and Chavez-Ramirez 1999). Food availability is unknown at White Lake. Whooping Cranes feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter, but crustaceans (blue crabs and crawfish) are a staple of their diet (Allen 1952, Novakowski 1966, Bergeson et al. 2001). Fish, large invertebrates, frogs, snakes, and a variety of plants are also eaten. The density of prey is critical, but foraging efficiency is also important in determining habitat suitability. Foraging efficiency, or the ease at which prey is secured, can be affected by water depths, vegetation density, water clarity, and other factors. Too deep of water can prevent access to foods. Too muddy of water can reduce visibility and limit access to certain prey items, although Whooping Cranes are efficient foragers for crabs in muddy water. Too dense of submergent or emergent vegetation, however, may reduce foraging efficiency. Understanding how food availability varies temporally and spatially is also important. Chicks are flightless for several months and must be able to access ponds by walking. Similarly, Whooping Cranes undergo molt in August and are flightless during this period. Thus, food must be available in walking distance and across suitable terrain. Whooping Cranes prefer somewhat open grasslands for walking as they prefer to see over the existing vegetation to scan for predators and they must be able to walk relatively easily. Thus, too dense or too tall of vegetation outside of ponds can deem a site unsuitable. Pond characteristics, including their spatial distribution, are also important for nesting. Whooping Cranes build floating nests, usually inside a patch of bulrush (most frequently), cattail, or other robust emergent. The nest is concealed by the outer fringes of the patch of emergent vegetation. Water levels that prevent the development of emergent vegetation or that result in complete monocultures are not desirable. Whooping Cranes are territorial, thus enough suitable ponds must be distributed at the appropriate spatial scale to support a population of breeding Whooping Cranes. In Canada, nest territories average 4.1 km2 (2.5 miles2) but range from 1.3 km2 to 47.1 km2 (0.8 miles2 to 29 miles2); however, nests in Canada have been recorded as close as 400 m to each other (Kuyt 1976a, 1976b, 1981, 1993). The objectives of this study are to: 1) Assess food availability at White Lake; 2) Determine water depths and vegetation structure of ponds at White Lake; and 3) Assess vegetation structure and density in non-pond areas at White Lake.	None
Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to Louisiana	December 2016	The Whooping Crane is North America’s largest bird and is arguably one of its most charismatic species. The Whooping Crane is also one of the great conservation success stories. At one time, resident and/or migrant populations of the Whooping Crane occupied much of the southern United States. Due to overhunting and agricultural development, however, Whooping Crane numbers declined dramatically to only 21 birds in 1954. The last remaining flock of Whooping Cranes wintered on what is now the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The breeding grounds for this species were unknown until its discovery in Woods Buffalo National Park in 1954 (Allen 1956). The Whooping Crane was placed on the endangered species list in 1970 and was grandfathered into the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Since that time, the wild population has increased to about 235 birds (Tom Stehn, USFWS, personal communication). The Whooping Crane Recovery Plan, however, calls for the successful establishment of at least 3 breeding populations (including the wild flock) of at least 25 breeding pairs. Currently, efforts are underway to establish a migratory population that breeds in Wisconsin and winters in Florida. An experiment with a resident population in Florida has been deemed unsuccessful. In January 2007, the Whooping Crane Recovery Team formally endorsed intensive studies of habitat suitability, disease risk to the wild population, and socioeconomics to determine whether or not Louisiana would be a suitable site for reintroduction of Whooping Cranes. In April 2010, the Whooping Crane Recovery Team formally endorsed a reintroduction experiment of Whooping Cranes in southwestern Louisiana. This experiment, which is initially 3 years in length, will begin in February 2011. The population will be designated experimental, non-essential meaning that while the birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act they do not receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. Louisiana has a rich history in the story of the Whooping Crane as it historically supported both resident and wintering populations (Allen 1952). Allen (1952) indicated that Whooping Cranes used a variety of habitats in Louisiana, including tallgrass prairie, panicum marsh (paille-fine), prairie swale and prairie marsh, sawgrass and deep marsh, and sea-rim and brackish marsh (see Gomez (1992) for a more detailed summary). It has been surmised that the tallgrass prairie of Louisiana supported more Whooping Cranes than any other region in the country. Allen (1952) roughly estimated that as many as 2,500 Whooping Cranes could have wintered in this region. It has also been suggested that Whooping Cranes bred in the many potholes, or platains, in the prairie as well. E. A. McIllhenny reported that in the first half of 1880’s it was still abundant on prairies of Jeff Davis, Allen, Evangeline and Acadia Parishes (Allen 1952). As hunting pressure and rice agriculture increased throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, however, the breeding birds (and wintering) were exterminated from the prairies. The last record of Whooping Cranes on Louisiana prairies occurred in 1918, when a farmer shot 12 of the birds that were feeding on rice near his thresher (Allen 1952). Whooping Cranes were also abundant in a variety of other Louisiana habitats. Whooping Cranes wintered in the marshes at the fringe of the coastal prairie and in marshes near the cheniers of southwestern Louisiana. Interestingly, this interspersion of upland oak habitats with abundant marshes mimics in many ways the habitat structure used by the wild population at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Clearly, the most infamous location in Louisiana was that located by John Lynch in 1939 near White Lake in southwestern Louisiana (Gomez et al. 2005). This large paille-finne marsh was nearly inaccessible until the development of the intracoastal canal in 1929-1930. On May 15, 1939, Lynch located 13 Whooping Cranes including 2 current year chicks. According to locals, this flock was at one time much larger and stretched nearly 19 km to Grand Lake, but over hunting and other human and natural causes led to a decline in the population (Allen 1952). On 7 August 1940, a major hurricane accompanied by massive rainfall scattered the cranes Lynch had observed. Normally occupied habitats were flooded up to 1 m deep until October and water levels did not return to normal until the summer of 1941 (Stevenson 1942). Only 6 of the 13 birds returned. The birds continued to decline and in March 1950 the last remaining Whooping Crane in the White Lake marshes was captured with the aid of a helicopter (Gomez 1992). This marked a temporary end of the Whooping Crane in Louisiana. In February 2011, a cohort of 11 Whooping Cranes will be released at White Lake, Louisiana. In the subsequent 2 years, additional cohorts of birds (up to 30/year) will be released. The objectives of this study are to: 1) Determine habitat use, survival, and behavior of released Whooping Cranes; 2) Based on habitat use data, determine other potential areas for Whooping Crane release and/or refine the methods of release to enhance project success; and 3) Assist LDWF personnel in all aspects of the reintroduction program, including report and grant writing.	None
Evaluating Organic Land Management Techniques to Meet Energetic Demands of Wintering Waterbirds	December 2013	In the last century, the Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) has shifted its primary wintering grounds from central Mexico to the Middle Rio Grande Valley (MRGV) of New Mexico. Decreased habitat availability in Mexico and a growing agricultural community in the MRGV that inadvertently provides foraging material has contributed to a more northerly terminal wintering area. This shift has led to substantial yield losses on private lands from depredation. Furthermore, there are limited areas along the MRGV that provide a protected roosting and foraging area for the sandhill crane. Primarily this role belongs to the state run Ladd S. Gordan Waterfowl Mangament Area (LGWMA) and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (BdANWR) south of San Antonio, New Mexico. In order to encourage the spatial distribution of cranes along the MRGV, and provide for their energetic wintering needs LGWMA and BdANWR have agreed to share the role of producing high energy, carbohydrate foods that provide for the estimated 30,000 sandhill cranes that winter in the MRGV. The Bosque del Apache NWR, located within the floodplain of the Rio Grande River, uses an integrated management scheme of moist-soil plant production (or moist-soil management) and traditional agriculture to meet these energetic needs. Moist-soil management (MSMGT) can be defined as the creation of exposed, saturated soil in wetlands by irrigation or drawdown during the growing season to promote germination, growth, and seed production of plants on mudflats (Haukos and Smith, 1993). At BdANWR, refuge managers manipulate soils, hydrology, and vegetation succession to stimulate the germination of high energy wetland plants. These active practices seek to provide similar functional results of stochastic events such as landscape scouring, nutrient renewal, and soil disturbance that would have transpired during natural flooding events of the Rio Grande prior to European settlement and as a result, subject soils under MSMGT to a reduced tillage regime and high organic residual input that builds soil nutritional properties. However, many MSMGT units on the refuge face annual problems with soil salinity, and yield reductions in desirable wetlands plants coincide when salinization of the rhizosphere occurs. This salinization could be a result of improper water management practices that fail to effectively leach salts down the profile (Hillel, 2000). In addition to evaluating the effects of current moist soil management practices on soil properties, information is needed to determine whether modified moist soil management practices could enhance soil properties and facilitate an integrated moist-soil / agricultural rotation that would enhance production of agricultural crops through natural wetland soil processes. The refuge uses traditional agricultural practices to produce field corn (Zea mays) which provides an additional rich carbohydrate food source to supplement moist-soil seed production and a means of manipulating the distribution and local population densities of sandhill cranes and snow geese to minimize cholera outbreaks. Sandhill cranes have been described as omnivorous and opportunistic feeders (Guthery 1976, Mullins and Bizeau 1978) and while corn does not satisfy the complete set of nutritional requirements needed in their life history, studies have documented where corn, when available, makes up 97% of a crane’s total diet (Reinecke and Krapu 1986). Currently the refuge uses a cooperative farming agreement with local farmers to produce 1,000 tons of corn per year. The cooperative farming program rotates agricultural fields between alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and field corn where alfalfa is harvested as a cash crop and grain corn is left in the fields as forage for cranes and snow geese (Chen caerulescens). In recent years, however, corn production has dropped precipitously from 907,185 Kg in 2006 to only 9,072 Kg in 2009, possibly due to decreased soil fertility from intensive tillage, salt laden irrigation water leading to increased salinity in the rhizosphere, and resilient nematode parasites. These types of agricultural tillage regimes promote the release and subsequent degradation of previously protected organic matter, contributing to long-term decreases in soil microbial biomass and organic matter as well as diminishing the capacity of the soil to retain nitrogen (Calderon & Jackson, 2001). Furthermore, parasitic nematodes seem to persist through alfalfa rotations leaving corn highly susceptible to depredation. Sustained flooding has shown some success in the reduction and eradication of nematodes (Brown, 1933) (Brown and Kerry, 1987) by reducing the amount of oxygen available for respiration and increasing concentrations of substances toxic to nematodes such as organic acids, methane, and hydrogen sulfide (MacGuidwin 1993). However the success of this technique is related to the timing and duration of flooding and its ability to coincide with the life history of the crop being produced. Overall, these decreased levels of corn production may be insufficient to maintain healthy body conditions for migratory birds which may reduce breeding productivity and increase susceptibility to avian cholera. Therefore, the refuge is considering alternatives for the future of its agricultural program. Specifically, the goal of the refuge is to develop more sustainable moist-soil and agricultural practices that are functional without genetically modified crops (GMC), minimize the use of fertilizer and chemical inputs, and are based on a more integrated understanding of soil-system processes. We speculate that an integrated moist-soil and agricultural management scheme will reduce the impacts of tillage on soil systems, enhance soil nutrient, soil structure, and reduce soil salinity allowing for the proper conditions to successfully grow non-GMO corn. Historically, USFWS has been hesitant to support the use of GMCs, specifically modified corn that contains Bacillus thuringiensis to control detrimental pests because of its overall reduction of invertebrates, especially Lepidoptera. These reductions could have impacts on the trophic cascade, impacting forage availability for obligate species like neotropical migrants and bats (Chiroptera). Additionally, from the standpoint of the refuge, it is currently difficult to find varieties of corn that do not contain some level of genetic modification and varieties that are available are extremely expensive. Therefore the refuge would need to develop a seed harvesting program in order to become self-sufficient and thus avoid paying high premiums for non-GMO seed. OBJECTIVES: The long-term objective of this study and others are to develop a sustainable agricultural system for Bosque del Apache NWR that is founded on soil ecology, organic farming, and wetland/crop rotations that enhance soil fertility and minimize chemical fertilizer and herbicides and pesticides. The specific objectives of the research to be conducted from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 are to evaluate the abiotic processes and management practices that contribute to a successful sustainable agricultural system. We will: 1) Assess the soil physical, biological, and nutritional suitability of moist-soil managed units to support agricultural crops. 2) Evaluate the effects of winter and spring flooding in agricultural fields to reduce parasitic nematodes. 3) Evaluate the effects of tillage and frequency of irrigation in moist-soil units on soil salinization in the rhizosphere.	None
Evaluation of the Effects of Hydrologic and Geomorphic Processes and Bottomland Hardwood Plant Communities of the Lower White River Basin: An integrated approach	May 2014	The lower White River, Arkansas is a RAMSAR Wetland of International Significance that supports the largest concentration of wintering mallards in North America, the second largest tract of bottomland hardwood forests in North America, and the most productive warm water fisheries in the southeastern United States. However, the hydrologic and geomorphic processes of the White River have been affected by numerous developments within the watershed, as well as that within the Mississippi River (Biedenharn and Watson 1997). Base-level lowering of the Mississippi River (Biedenharn and Watson 1997), a series of hydroelectric dams upstream, a navigational lock at its confluence with the Mississippi River, a navigation channel along much of its course, and an irrigation pump that diverts surface water from the river affect present river conditions. Rivers are process-response systems that fluctuate around an “endpoint” of dynamic equilibrium. Changes in sediment load, channel depth, and discharge, among other parameters, can result in rapid changes in the river and associated floodplain. For example, dredging can lead to channel incision which progresses upstream until a new dynamic equilibrium is reached with a new slope. Incision can also cause bank instability and a lowering of groundwater tables, thus accelerating forest loss along banks, decreasing tree growth, and altering forest species composition. Thus, an understanding of the relationship among present and future (predicted) geomorphic processes, surface and subsurface hydrologic processes, and tree growth and establishment is critical for evaluating the effects of future development activities within the watershed. Because of the interconnectedness of these complex systems, examination of hydrologic, geomorphic, or vegetative components in isolation of the others may lead to erroneous conclusions and unreliable predictions of future conditions. In this study, we will: 1) Identify historic and current rates of channel incision, bank erosion, and meandering; 2) Determine bank heights along the river from Montgomery Point to Devalls Bluff; 3) Determine sedimentation rates along three sections of the floodplain (i.e., Devall’s Bluff to confluence of Cache, Clarendon to St. Charles; St. Charles to Montgomery Point); 4) Determine surface and subsurface hydrologic processes along three sections of the floodplain; 5) Determine growth rates and stand establishment of bottomland hardwoods within selected plant communities along three sections of the floodplain; 6) Develop an integrated, spatially-explicit, multi-scale simulation model to determine the effects of current and potential hydrologic processes on the distribution of bottomland hardwood plant communities on the floodplain of the White River.	None
Adaptive Hydrological Management of Catahoula Lake	December 2014	Catahoula Lake is a RAMSAR wetland of international importance in central Louisiana because of its importance to wintering waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. The lake is typically flooded from December to July each year; the summer drawdown exposes mudflats which benefit migratory shorebirds and stimulates production of chufa, sprangletop, and other important foods for wintering waterfowl. There has been increasing concern about the impacts of the expansion of water elm, a native, but invasive shrub, on wintering waterfowl habitat. Currently, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is spending over $200,000 per year to control water elm. This study is designed to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms facilitating water elm expansion and to help develop more effective control practices. Specifically, our objectives are to: 1. Evaluate the combined effects of hydrological processes and the LDWF woody control program (including herbicides, fire, or grazing) on woody and herbaceous plant communities; 2. Reconstruct historical changes in plant communities in Catahoula Lake, focusing on timing and rates of expansion of water-elm; 3. Reconstruct and model the historical hydrologic regime of Catahoula Lake, with emphasis on understanding links between hydrologic processes and vegetation communities; and 4. Develop a strategy for management of the water control structure on the Catahoula Diversion Channel to better mimic the natural hydrologic regime. Dr. Sammy King is a co-principal investigator with Dr. Richard Keim of the LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources. Several graduate students are involved on this project including Sanjeev Joshi.	None
Examining socio-political factors influencing oyster reef restoration programs	December 2011	Once a dominant feature of estuaries world-wide, oyster reefs have recently been identified as one of the most endangered coastal ecosystems, fueling significant efforts to restore and enhance these systems. Oyster reefs located in the northern Gulf of Mexico have been identified as some of the healthiest of reefs globally, and current efforts focus on devising an approach to coast-wide restoration and protection of these reefs. As with all natural resource management and restoration, success is dependent on more than simply understanding the biological requirements of the resource; rather, they are equally dependent on understanding and working within the social and political context in which these management and restoration activities must occur. To better understand the context in which gulf-wide reef restoration must operate, we report on the results of a survey of over 2000 key stakeholders representing 6 interest groups (shrimp trawlers, oyster harvestmen, recreational fishermen, environmental organization members, scientific researchers and regulatory agency employees) from the five Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida). The objectives of the survey were to determine 1) knowledge of, and values placed on oyster reef ecological services, 2) support for different methods of oyster reef restoration, 3) perception of obstacles, trade-offs and benefits of different reef restoration approaches, and 4) preference for oyster reef restoration implementation and management. These results not only inform oyster reef restoration planners of the constraints and opportunities of a regional or estuary specific plan in the Gulf of Mexico up front, but can help guide their restoration actions more efficiently and effectively, enabling them to achieve their desired outcomes.	Once a dominant feature of estuaries world-wide, oyster reefs have recently been identified as one of the most endangered coastal ecosystems, fueling significant efforts to restore and enhance these systems. Oyster reefs located in the northern Gulf of Mexico have been identified as some of the healthiest of reefs globally, and current efforts focus on devising an approach to coast-wide restoration and protection of these reefs. As with all natural resource management and restoration, success is dependent on more than simply understanding the biological requirements of the resource; rather, they are equally dependent on understanding and working within the social and political context in which these management and restoration activities must occur. To better understand the context in which gulf-wide reef restoration must operate, we report on the results of a survey of over 2000 key stakeholders representing 6 interest groups (shrimp trawlers, oyster harvestmen, recreational fishermen, environmental organization members, scientific researchers and regulatory agency employees) from the five Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida). The objectives of the survey were to determine 1) knowledge of, and values placed on oyster reef ecological services, 2) support for different methods of oyster reef restoration, 3) perception of obstacles, trade-offs and benefits of different reef restoration approaches, and 4) preference for oyster reef restoration implementation and management. These results not only inform oyster reef restoration planners of the constraints and opportunities of a regional or estuary specific plan in the Gulf of Mexico up front, but can help guide their restoration actions more efficiently and effectively, enabling them to achieve their desired outcomes.
Space for time analysis: Examining fisheries populations on created reefs across the northern Gulf of Mexico	December 2013	Enormous effort and money have gone into restoring or creating artificial oyster reefs, but little is known about the effectiveness of these efforts as they relate to material used for building reefs. Unit scientists and collaborators are examining reefs created between 1 and 20 years ago using different materials to compare oyster populations, and fisheries use of these reefs.	Oyster reefs are one of the most imperiled marine habitats globally with less than 15% of historical populations remaining. Reefs provide numerous ecosystem services, including water filtration, shoreline protection, and habitat for nekton. Along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), over 200 artificial reefs have been created in recent years in an effort to enhance and restore oyster reefs. Despite this large investment in restoring reefs, few studies have examined the success of such efforts over the long term. Specifically, while these artificial oyster reefs have been created from various materials, the most prevalent being oyster shell or limestone and concrete, no consensus exists regarding which material type works best, and few data exist on the long-term sustainability and development of the reefs over time. This study compares the composition and condition of oyster populations and nekton communities on artificial reefs of various ages and two materials (shell, limestone/concrete) to evaluate the development of reefs, and the provision of habitat for nekton over time. Eight different-aged artificial reefs of each the materials (oyster shell, limestone/concrete) and eight natural reefs (control) were sampled (N=24) from Texas to Florida using gillnets, shrimp trawls, cast nets, baited crab traps, settlement plates and quadrat counts. Local habitat conditions (water quality, habitat characteristics), nekton abundance, diversity and community assemblages are being compared to determine the effects of reef material and reef age on habitat provision services of these reefs. Furthermore, oyster density, size and condition are compared to examine differences by reef material and age, and the combination of reef material by age. These results show how material type and time affect the ability of artificial reefs to support oyster populations and nekton communities. This information will aid resource managers working to restore degraded oyster habitat and lost ecosystem services.
Examining oyster response to freshwater diversions	December 2011	The success of the Louisiana oyster industry is due in large part to an effective public/private partnership in which the State manages the Public grounds for the production of seed oysters (< 3”) for transplant to private leases where they are cultivated and subsequently harvested. The limiting factor to oyster production in Louisiana is the availability of seed, and Breton Sound is the primary state seed ground. We therefore propose to estimate annual seed production and evaluate the dynamics of critical environmental and biological factors that promote oyster recruitment in Breton Sound, an area impacted by Caernarvon freshwater diversion project.	With several large-scale freshwater diversion structures across coastal Louisiana, it is important to know the immediate and long-term effects of prolonged freshwater exposure on economically and ecologically valuable oyster populations. Beginning in early 2010, seed and market sized oysters in cages resting on the bottom, as well as recruitment plates suspended in the water column, were monitored at four sites in Breton Sound, LA, along what is typically a salinity gradient ranging from ~5 to ~20. In April 2010, the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion was fully opened with the goal of minimizing the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on wetlands, resulting in extreme low salinity (< 2) at all sites through August 2010. High seed and market-sized mortality and reduced condition were observed in oysters at all sites. Only the site that normally has the highest salinity showed any recruitment in 2010. Perkinsus marinus infection prevalence in surviving market oysters was low at all sites and all infection intensities were light. While low salinity may be beneficial to oyster populations by reducing P. marinus infection levels, prolonged extreme low salinity through spring and summer appears to cause heavy mortality and negatively impact recruitment in the short term. In August 2010, the expected salinity gradient was re-established and this study continues to monitor oyster populations for any lasting impacts of this low salinity event.
History, Nesting Population, Migration, Home Range, and Habitats used by Louisiana Bald Eagles	July 2014	The objectives of this project are to: 1) document the history of LDWF’s Bald Eagle nest monitoring program, 2) document the exponential increase in Louisiana’s Bald Eagle nesting population, 3) document migration routes and stopover locations for migrant Louisiana Bald Eagles, 4) determine home ranges and quantify habitats used by nesting Bald Eagles in Louisiana using GIS and remote sensing techniques, and 5) quantify habitats used outside Louisiana using remote sensing techniques and GIS, and evaluate possible population risks and threats. These data will allow us to further delineate which habitats are essential for Bald Eagles, both in Louisiana and elsewhere, for meeting seasonal resource demands. This information will be used by resource managers to make informed decisions concerning human development activities in habitats used by Louisiana Bald Eagles.	None
Ecology and management of Lesser Scaup	December 2014	This is a long-term multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary, and multi-agency project that is international in scope with overall goals of testing hypotheses explaining the long-term population decline of Lesser Scaup in North America and providing new information and techniques useful to wildlife managers for reversing the population decline. The project is focused at several biological levels, including investigation of physiology (nutrition, diets, lipid storage), behavior (habitat selection, foraging behavior, migration flight parameters), and estimating vital rates (survival and body condition effects). Dr. Afton is principal investigator and currently leads a team of volunteer students and other collaborators, both governmental and non-governmental, that are working cooperatively on the project. The project has been funded directly or indirectly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions 2 and 3 through the Gulf Coast Joint Venture, Prairie Pothole Joint Venture and the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture; North Dakota Game and Fish Department; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Ducks Unlimited Inc.; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Des Moines County Partners for Conservation Foundation; Mississippi Valley Calling Association; Kibbe Biological Field Station of Western Illinois University; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Tri Oak Foods; Cargill Corporation; Missouri Department of Conservation; Des Moines and Louisa County Conservation Boards; and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.	None
Survival, habitat use, and movements of female dabbling ducks during winter.	May 2010	This is a long-term, multi-faceted and multi-species study, investigating survival, habitat use and movements of wintering female dabbling ducks, and has regional and international components. The study was initiated on Northern Pintails and has focused on Mallards and Gadwall during the last 5 years. The overall goal of the study is to provide information useful for winter habitat and refuge management by states and Joint Ventures within the region. The Mallard studies employed VHF transmitters and provided data on birds wintering in TX, LA, AR, and MS, whereas the Gadwall study has both regional (LA, TX) and international components, given an additional objective of documenting spring migration corridors and breeding areas within the northern U.S. and Canada using satellite transmitters. Dr. Afton is the PI and lead 3 different teams of 1 M.S. student and 2-3 technicians each, capturing Mallards in southwest and northeast Louisiana and Gadwalls in southwest LA. The Mallard and Gadwall studies were funded by Ducks Unlimited, USFWS Region 2 through the Gulf Coast Joint Venture, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.	Jacob Gray's M.S. Thesis Abstract: The Louisiana Gulf Coast is an important wintering area for North American gadwall (Anas strepera). Conservation of winter habitat is a top priority of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture. Quantitative estimates of habitat use by wintering gadwall would help improve energetic demand models and subsequent estimates of habitat requirements. I used satellite telemetry (PTTs) to estimate winter habitat and refuge uses, spring migration chronology and corridors, as well as inter- and intra-regional winter movements of females. I used a split-plot MANOVA to evaluate the effects of individual females, female age, winter, hunt periods within winter, time of day, and all possible interactions among these explanatory variables on habitat use. I used a mixed model ANOVA to evaluate the effects of individual females, female age, winter, hunt periods within winter, time of day, and all possible interactions of these explanatory variables on refuge use. I used mixed models to evaluate the effects of hunt periods within winter, refuge use, winter, individual female, female age, and body condition at time of capture on intra-regional movements. Finally, I used a MANOVA to evaluate the effects of female age, spring of tracking, and body condition at time of capture on several spring migration parameters. I found that habitat use in winter 2007-08 was dominated by intermediate marsh, whereas habitat use during winter 2008-09 showed an increased dependence on freshwater marsh (P = 0.0001). Use of non-hunted refuges by adult females was greater when hunting season was open than when closed (P = 0.0061). I found no significant relationships among the explanatory variables and intra-regional movements (all Ps > 0.09). Peak migratory departure from the Louisiana Gulf Coast Chenier Plain occurred during late-March to early-April. HY females traveled a greater total migratory distance, spent more days migrating, used more stopovers, and arrived at inferred breeding locations later than did AHY females (all Ps ≤ 0.061). My results suggest that intermediate marsh is important for wintering gadwall; however, freshwater marsh may become important after tidal surge events. Finally, my migration data provides habitat managers with quantitative information to consider when implementing conservation programs and management practices.
Examining impacts of harvest activities on oyster reef trophic dynamics	December 2011	This project examines the effects of harvesting activities on the resident nekton community food web characteristics.	Shellfish reefs have recently been identified as one of the most endangered aquatic habitats in the world. Oyster reefs in particular provide diverse ecological services in estuaries including the creation of refuge and foraging habitat for numerous organisms, shoreline protection, and maintenance of water quality. Oyster reef habitat is threatened by a combination of anthropogenic and natural processes including oyster harvest, altered salinity regimes associated with freshwater inflow, and sea-level rise. Oyster harvest likely results in changes to structural habitat complexity, but the extent of these changes and how they affect resident organisms is unclear and has not been thoroughly examined. In coastal Louisiana, both harvested and un-harvested areas exist providing a unique opportunity to study the effects of oyster harvest on oyster reef communities. This study will use measures of nekton community structure, structural reef complexity, and condition of dominant fish species to compare the trophic dynamics and habitat quality of oyster reefs at un-harvested (Sabine Lake and northern Calcasieu Lake) and heavily harvested [Sister (Caillou) Lake and Black Bay] sites across coastal Louisiana during the spring and early fall of 2010. In addition, stable isotope analysis of dominant species will be used to compare the trophic structure of resident reef communities. Given the importance of oyster reefs in supporting estuarine ecosystem functions, it is essential to clarify if and how oyster harvest affects oyster reef habitat value and resident community food web characteristics.
Provision of nekton habitat within artificial reefs	June 2012	Artificial reefs created in Grand Isle, LA and in Biloxi Marsh, LA are being monitored for their effectiveness in protecting shorelines, their ability to sustain viable oyster reefs, and their provision of key ecosystem services.	In coastal and estuarine environments along the U.S. south Atlantic and Gulf coasts, reefs created by oysters and other bivalve mollusks provide significant habitat structure that grows and becomes increasingly complex over time. Healthy reefs have been labeled ecosystem engineers in recognition of the numerous services they provide. These include, but are not limited to (1) benthic-pelagic coupling, (2) seston filtration, (3) creation of refugia, (4) creation of habitat, and (5) shoreline protection. In coastal Louisiana, shell reefs were once ubiquitous, but have declined significantly in abundance in recent decades. Restoration of three dimensional shell habitats in coastal Louisiana presents a valuable and potentially self-sustaining approach to providing shoreline protection, providing critical nekton habitat, providing enhanced recruitment for continued existence of shell reefs, and may contribute to water quality maintenance. These added values make this approach particularly promising. The use of native oyster shell for shore protection with the goal of reducing coastal erosion provides the opportunity to also quantify added benefits of this approach to coastal protection by quantifying (1) nekton use and community support, (2) bivalve recruitment and growth, and (3) water filtration. In order to fully quantify the benefits and value of this shore protection, we propose to monitor and quantify the added ecological benefits of using native oyster shell for shoreline protection.
Evaluation of created shore structures in Vermilion Bay	December 2012	This project examines oyster reef sustainability, provision of critical nekton habitat and impacts of a created oyster reef on eroding shoreline in Vermilion Bay, LA.	Since the 1930s, coastal Louisiana has been losing wetlands in the Mississippi Delta at a rate estimated to be as high as 64 km2yr-1. Much of this loss occurs in what is defined as sheltered coastal area, located within the extensive marsh complex. This marsh loss is occurring through a combination of processes including lack of riverine input, altered hydrology from canal construction, sea level rise and erosion. Traditional erosion protection structures, such as rock bulkheads or steel walls are not likely sustainable in the soft sediments of coastal Louisiana, and are likely to have severe impacts on the coastal ecosystem affecting the landscape, public access, natural habitats, marsh integrity and fish populations. Clearly, alternative techniques for shore protection are needed for these sheltered areas. We propose to quantify the effectiveness, sustainability and ecosystem effects of bio-engineered oyster reefs for shore protection along eroding shorelines located in Vermilion Bay, LA. Effectiveness will be determined by comparison with reference sites for (a) shoreline change/land building, (b) natural oyster recruitment, survival and growth, and (c) adjacent marsh vigor and (d) provision of nekton habitat. Using multivariate statistics, we will assess ecosystem trade-offs, reef sustainability and shore protection. Ultimately, with data collected over the long-term, this project will allow us to identify a range of environmental parameters including local sea level rise and subsidence rates, in which this shore protection method is likely to be viable over the long term.
Use of Bio-Engineered Reefs for Shoreline Stabilization	April 2012	While living shorelines have become a valuable tool to stabilize marsh, and enhance fisheries production locally, this project seeks to understand what factors control the ability of the living shoreline to develop long-term sustainable oyster populations, and how reef complexity affects fisheries enhancement.	Three years of data examining reef development, fisheries use and shoreline stabilization are being collected to examine the effects of local site conditions on provision of these three services.
Oyster Metapopulation Models	December 2025	a	a
King rail habitat relationships in freshwater and brackish marshes of southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas	September 2012	The objectives of this proposed project are to: 1) Determine the distribution of King Rails in selected marsh habitats of southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, including freshwater and brackish marshes, in both managed and unmanaged sites; 2) Determine local and landscape scale habitat characteristics that affect King Rail distribution in coastal marshes; and 3) Develop GIS-based habitat models to predict King Rail distribution and abundance.	None
Assessment of bottomland hardwood forest dynamics: Implications to ivory-billed woodpecker habitat	January 2012	Geomorphic and hydrologic modifications in the Mississippi River valley have been widespread. The effects of these alterations	None
Identifying factors influencing nocturnal foraging site selection by adult female mallards and northern pintails in south Louisiana	June 2027	The Chenier Plain and coastal marsh system of southwest Louisiana has historically been a significant overwintering and spring migratory staging landscape for multiple waterfowl species and other migratory wetland dependent birds using the Mississippi Flyway and has provided critical ecological functions. Yet, the southwest Louisiana landscape has experienced tremendous anthropogenic changes dating back to the early 1800s that have set a course for altered system function, which continues to this day. Wintering waterfowl currently experience a highly altered landscape that likely exacerbates energetic demands resulting from changing food availability and high disturbance regimes (i.e. hunting pressure and frequent industrial disturbances [aviation traffic / hazing]). No longer a coastal prairie, the Chenier Plain is dominated by agricultural production. Predominantly rice – crawfish rotational production, hydrology across the prairie soils is intensively managed and compartmentalized within leveed units and determined by agricultural economic decisions rather than natural hydroperiods. This results in a “postage stamp” mosaic of “working wetlands” each with unique hydroperiods that vary from one another spatially and temporally. This project is a collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and seeks to evaluate factors that influence habitat use, movement, and behavior of individual ducks marked with satellite telemetry devices in south Louisiana. Data from this research will be used to further inform how waterfowl use habitat within an agricultural system, particularly diversely managed rice and crawfish fields.	The Chenier Plain and coastal marsh system of southwest Louisiana has historically been a significant overwintering and spring migratory staging landscape for multiple waterfowl species and other migratory wetland dependent birds using the Mississippi Flyway and has provided critical ecological functions. Yet, the southwest Louisiana landscape has experienced tremendous anthropogenic changes dating back to the early 1800s that have set a course for altered system function, which continues to this day. Wintering waterfowl currently experience a highly altered landscape that likely exacerbates energetic demands resulting from changing food availability and high disturbance regimes (i.e. hunting pressure and frequent industrial disturbances [aviation traffic / hazing]). No longer a coastal prairie, the Chenier Plain is dominated by agricultural production. Predominantly rice – crawfish rotational production, hydrology across the prairie soils is intensively managed and compartmentalized within leveed units and determined by agricultural economic decisions rather than natural hydroperiods. This results in a “postage stamp” mosaic of “working wetlands” each with unique hydroperiods that vary from one another spatially and temporally. This project is a collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and seeks to evaluate factors that influence habitat use, movement, and behavior of individual ducks marked with satellite telemetry devices in south Louisiana. Data from this research will be used to further inform how waterfowl use habitat within an agricultural system, particularly diversely managed rice and crawfish fields.
Linking wetland inundation and habitat selection to Blue-winged teal survival throughout the full annual cycle	June 2025	Compared with other dabbling ducks, blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>, BWTE) migrate earlier in autumn, migrate later in spring, and winter at more southern latitudes with a broader distribution. Thus, the extent to which management decisions, particularly wetland inundation that allow other dabbling species to access food resources, benefit BWTE remains unclear. We propose to use data from BWTE marked with GPS-GSM transmitters and satellite imagery, to better understand the role of environmental variability (e.g., water availability) and land ownership on BWTE resource selection, movement, and survival during the annual cycle.	Compared with other dabbling ducks, blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>, BWTE) migrate earlier in autumn, migrate later in spring, and winter at more southern latitudes with a broader distribution. Thus, the extent to which management decisions, particularly wetland inundation that allow other dabbling species to access food resources, benefit BWTE remains unclear. We propose to use data from BWTE marked with GPS-GSM transmitters and satellite imagery, to better understand the role of environmental variability (e.g., water availability) and land ownership on BWTE resource selection, movement, and survival during the annual cycle.
Linking annual waterfowl productivity and Louisiana hunter-harvest to natal / molt origins using stable isotope ecology	June 2026	Identifying linkages between source origins (e.g. natal or molt origins) and wintering locations of waterfowl is important when developing sustainable harvest management strategies. However, traditional methods for determining migratory connectivity requires a capture-mark-recovery framework and the current distribution of capture locations may not be representative of the entire breeding range of a species due to limited accessibility. Our research compares estimates of harvest derivation from available banding data and stable isotope analyses of flight feathers in harvested blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwall, mallard, northern pintail, and lesser scaup. This project is a collaboration of researchers from the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and University of Western Ontario and biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Data acquired in this study will inform biologists on the representativeness of capture-mark-recovery methods to assess source-origins and migratory connectivity of managed waterfowl species. Further, this study may demonstrate the utility of incorporating source-origins estimates via stable isotope analyses into long-term monitoring programs of harvested waterfowl used to track hunter harvest and population productivity.	While continental populations of waterfowl are still above the long-term average, mid-winter waterfowl counts in coastal Louisiana have been on a steady decline. Traditional methods of determining migratory connectivity to wintering grounds requires prior capture at an earlier life stage and accessible capture locations may not be representative of the entire breeding range of a species. For harvested waterfowl, understanding the strength of migratory connectivity and identifying links between source origins (e.g. natal or molt origins) are important when developing sustainable management strategies. Throughout the Mississippi Flyway, state agencies independently make decisions where to send agency dollars throughout the breeding grounds to support conservation / restoration efforts and decisions are largely informed through capture-mark-recovery techniques. This project is a collaboration of researchers from the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and University of Western Ontario and biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to compare estimates of harvest derivation from available banding data and stable isotope analyses of flight feathers in harvested blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwall, mallard, and lesser scaup. Data acquired in this study will inform biologists on the representativeness of capture-mark-recovery methods to assess source-origins and migratory connectivity of managed waterfowl species. Further, this study may demonstrate the utility of incorporating source-origins estimates via stable isotope analyses into long-term monitoring programs of harvested waterfowl used to track hunter harvest and population productivity.
Assessing living shoreline development in an estuarine lake	May 2024	As living shoreline technologies continue to grow in popularity, there is continued need to evaluate existing projects to determine their long-term sustainability, and understand conditions conducive to their resilience. This project follows on previous work in an estuarine lake in Louisiana to evaluate the development of the reef community, and the impacts on the adjacent shoreline.	As living shoreline technologies continue to grow in popularity, there is continued need to evaluate existing projects to determine their long-term sustainability, and understand conditions conducive to their resilience. This project follows on previous work in an estuarine lake in Louisiana to evaluate the development of the reef community, and the impacts on the adjacent shoreline.
Develop genomic markers to select stressor tolerant oysters	January 2024	Increased interest in restoration and production of a key ecosystem engineer, the eastern oyster, has led to significant investment and interest in identifying broodstock useful to develop populations with tolerance to specific stressors they may experience across different estuaries. This project, in collaboration with geneticists, and other researchers, seeks to identify genetic biomarkers that can be used to develop genetic breeding values for oyster broodstocks to select them for specific tolerances.	Increased interest in restoration and production of a key ecosystem engineer, the eastern oyster, has led to significant investment and interest in identifying broodstock useful to develop populations with tolerance to specific stressors they may experience across different estuaries. This project, in collaboration with geneticists, and other researchers, seeks to identify genetic biomarkers that can be used to develop genetic breeding values for oyster broodstocks to select them for specific tolerances.
Cumulative Effects Assessment	September 2024	With significant investment in restoration projects across the Gulf of Mexico, there is a need to evaluate and quantify the overall ecosystem-level effects derived from the accumulation of the effects of individual projects. This is a pilot study to develop methods to accomplish this.	With significant investment in restoration projects across the Gulf of Mexico, there is a need to evaluate and quantify the overall ecosystem-level effects derived from the accumulation of the effects of individual projects. This is a pilot study to develop methods to accomplish this.
Assessing multiple stressors on oysters	January 2025	Management of oysters requires understanding their tolerance to multiple stressors. As estuarine conditions are changed through climate impacts, and human activities, more extreme conditions impact oyster grounds; identifying these impacts on individual oyster populations, and ploidies informs the development of more accurate models of oyster growth, survival and production, and helps identify critical broodstock to support the oyster industry.	Management of oysters requires understanding their tolerance to multiple stressors. As estuarine conditions are changed through climate impacts, and human activities, more extreme conditions impact oyster grounds; identifying these impacts on individual oyster populations, and ploidies informs the development of more accurate models of oyster growth, survival and production, and helps identify critical broodstock to support the oyster industry.
Can ribbed mussels augment coastal restoration projects in a world of rising seas?	July 2023	This project examines the role of ribbed mussels in stabilizing shorelines directly through the structure they provide, and indirectly by promoting saltmarsh vegetation growth through their impact on nutrient availability in the soils. In collaboration with researchers at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, and funded by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and Louisiana Sea Grant, this project will provide information to help guide and inform future restoration efforts.	This project examines the role of ribbed mussels in stabilizing shorelines directly through the structure they provide, and indirectly by promoting saltmarsh vegetation growth through their impact on nutrient availability in the soils. In collaboration with researchers at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, and funded by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and Louisiana Sea Grant, this project will provide information to help guide and inform future restoration efforts.
Inventory of models to support decision making to address oyster restoration	May 2021	<i>Along the coast of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GoM), the eastern oyster, <i>Crassostrea virginica</i>, plays important ecological and economic roles. Commercial landings from this region account for more than 50% of all U.S. landings; these oyster reefs also provide varied ecosystem services including nursery habitat for many fish and macroinvertebrate species, shoreline protection, and water quality maintenance. Declining trends in both total oyster production and functional reef area across this area have spurred investment in restoration of oyster resources, with specific calls for restoration projects to develop a network of reefs, identifying broodstock and sanctuary reef restoration sites, specifically. Numerous efforts related to oyster reefs exist in identifying sites for restoration, and location of broodstock sanctuaries. Along with PEW Charitable Trusts, this project created a database and summary of existing models that can be used to inform oyster restoration. This review provides a complete overview of oyster modeling in the Gulf of Mexico, identifying the tools available, and the gaps related to informing oyster restoration. </i>	<i>Along the coast of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GoM), the eastern oyster, <i>Crassostrea virginica</i>, plays important ecological and economic roles. Commercial landings from this region account for more than 50% of all U.S. landings; these oyster reefs also provide varied ecosystem services including nursery habitat for many fish and macroinvertebrate species, shoreline protection, and water quality maintenance. Declining trends in both total oyster production and functional reef area across this area have spurred investment in restoration of oyster resources, with specific calls for restoration projects to develop a network of reefs, identifying broodstock and sanctuary reef restoration sites, specifically. Numerous efforts related to oyster reefs exist in identifying sites for restoration, and location of broodstock sanctuaries. Along with PEW Charitable Trusts, this project created a database and summary of existing models that can be used to inform oyster restoration. This review provides a complete overview of oyster modeling in the Gulf of Mexico, identifying the tools available, and the gaps related to informing oyster restoration. </i>
Model Updates and Improvements: ICM-HSIs	June 2020	This project examined Habitat Suitability Models for key species in coastal Louisiana. The habitat suitability models are used to inform the state of Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan which informs restoration and management activities along the coast. In this project, we examined the newest literature on oyster habitat suitability, and updated the existing habitat suitability model for oysters.	This project examined Habitat Suitability Models for key species in coastal Louisiana. The habitat suitability models are used to inform the state of Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan which informs restoration and management activities along the coast. In this project, we examined the newest literature on oyster habitat suitability, and updated the existing habitat suitability model for oysters.
Gear Comparison Study for Sampling Nekton in Barataria Basin Marshes	December 2020	Long-term fisheries-independent sampling data inform population status and trends of species-specific biomass and are often used to drive biomass-based food web models such as the Comprehensive Aquatic Systems Model (CASM). Indicators such as total biomass and mean trophic level derived from these data and from CASM outputs inform management and facilitate assessments of on-going and predicted coastal change and restoration activities on fisheries, but rely on consistent sampling to enable comparisons across space and time. Changes in coastal estuarine gradients, combined with the availability of new sampling technologies, highlight a need to assess the potential consequences of changing sampling technologies on fisheries data and the cascading impact on model outputs. In Louisiana, USA, CASM models are used to inform coastal restoration projects, relying on 40 years of fisheries-independent data derived from 50’ seine sampling. However, alternative use of electrofishers as a sampling method has been proposed to replace the seine sampling. In this study, we examine data from concurrent seine and electrofisher sampling in Barataria Basin, Louisiana, and compare biomass, assemblage data and CASM outputs related to species biomass, food web structure and energy cycling. In a paired comparison of data in 2018-2019, the electrofisher captured higher total catch and diversity compared to the seine. The electrofisher samples were dominated by shrimp (grass, white, brown) and larger bodied fish, while seine samples were dominated by smaller-bodied fish (i.e., anchovy, menhaden). Ecosystem indicators derived from running the CASM using biomass data from seine and electrofisher sampling separately in two different simulation exercises provide contrasting results. In Simulation Exercise 1, the use of different datasets (long-term CASM calibration, 2018-2019 seine, 2018-2019 electrofisher) to initialize the CASM biomasses did not result in large or long-running changes in the simulated biomasses over time. In contrast, in Simulation Exercise 2, CASM model outputs using adjusted gear ratios indicated changes in biomass structure when using electrofisher data, with a doubling of total food web biomass due to the increased shrimp count, and a 13% increase in total energy flow through the food web. Conversions based on area and gear efficiency for overall catch may be useful in maintaining the continuity of historical data. However, differences in species-specific catch due to gear selectivity could have large consequences for constructing and calibrating fish and ecosystem models and remain difficult to reconcile. These differences in assemblages, and estimated biomasses for key food web species, suggest careful consideration in changing gears.	Long-term fisheries independent sampling data inform fisheries management and drive models. Changing environment and sampling gear impact ecological indicators and outcomes from food web model simulations. Consideration of changes in long-term estuarine fisheries independent sampling methods by the state of Louisiana prompted a study to examine the potential consequences of changing methods after 40 years of data collection. In collaboration with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, The Water Institute of the Gulf and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana, comparisons of electrofisher, seine and throw trap sampling were conducted, examining species composition, size distribution, and environmental conditions. Changing sampling could have large consequences for indicators used to assess fisheries and ecosystem health if used in fish and ecosystem models.
Assessment of NRDA Funded Oyster Restoration in the Gulf of Mexico	September 2026	Across coastal areas of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in significant ecological injury and over 8 billion USD directed to restoration activities. The eastern oyster (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>), an organism valued as a commercial fishery and as an ecosystem engineer, was identified specifically as being negatively impacted (injured) by the event. Oyster restoration projects were implemented with regional goals of restoring oyster abundance, spawning stock, and population resilience. Measuring regional or large-scale ecosystem restoration outcomes challenges traditional project-specific monitoring and outcome reporting collected at local scales. We examined the outcomes of oyster restoration at the project-level and identify and discuss potential pathways to measure progress toward region-level goals. An estimated 15 km<sup>2</sup> of oyster habitat was restored across 11 different estuaries with 62 individual reef footprints created, ranging in size from > 0.2 to 0.64 km<sup>2</sup>. Individual sites were distributed across the salinity gradient, and all reefs were subtidal. One-year post-restoration, mean total oyster density across all sites was 53.0 ± 60.7 ind m<sup>-2</sup> of which 38.4 ± 42.2 ind m<sup>-2</sup> were adult (> 25 mm shell height) oysters. Recent data available for all sites indicates reduced densities of total oysters (44.6 ± 70.9 ind m<sup>-2</sup>) and adult oysters (14.6 ± 21.6 ind m<sup>-2</sup>). These data provide insight into project specific results and outcomes, suggesting an overall enhancement in oyster abundance from restoration, but fall short of informing outcomes at the regional level that incorporate cumulative effects on adjacent and connected reef populations, or resiliency of the overall oyster resource. Inclusion of water quality and oyster resource data outside of specific restoration project areas remains necessary to assess the impact of these projects on regional oyster resource abundance and resilience. Developing outcome measures that incorporate cumulative and synergistic impacts of individual projects will require reconciliation and consideration of project-level planning and monitoring performance targets with broader spatial and temporal monitoring requirements.	Across coastal areas of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in significant ecological injury and over 8 billion USD directed to restoration activities. The eastern oyster (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>), an organism valued as a commercial fishery and as an ecosystem engineer, was identified specifically as being negatively impacted (injured) by the event. Oyster restoration projects were implemented with regional goals of restoring oyster abundance, spawning stock, and population resilience. This work measured outcomes of oyster restoration projects to assess impacts and inform future oyster restoration projects funded in this region. An estimated 15 km<sup>2</sup> of oyster habitat was restored across 11 different estuaries with 62 individual reef footprints created. One-year post-restoration, mean total oyster density across all sites was 53.0 ± 60.7 ind m<sup>-2</sup> . These data provide insight into project specific results and outcomes, suggesting an overall enhancement in oyster abundance from restoration, but fall short of informing outcomes at the regional level that incorporate cumulative effects on adjacent and connected reef populations, or resiliency of the overall oyster resource.
Molt Timing and Sample Collection for Future Derivation of Harvest for Purple and Common Gallinules in Louisiana	December 2022	Gallinule harvest in Louisiana represents 85% and 60% of the total harvest of both Purple and Common Gallinules within the Mississippi Flyway and nationally, respectively. However, for both Purple and Common Gallinules, there are no available data for either species at any scale (state, flyway, or nationally) on which informed management actions can be made. The focus of our proposed work is to gather preliminary data on distribution and origin of harvested gallinules to provide data supporting an appropriate, data-driven management framework for Purple and Common Gallinule in the Mississippi Flyway. Specifically, our research will focus on gathering the first US data on distribution and origins of harvested gallinules and focus on first steps toward development of a management framework which addresses the situation of a migratory game bird on which no population demographic information is known.	Gallinule harvest in Louisiana represents 85% and 60% of the total harvest of both Purple and Common Gallinules within the Mississippi Flyway and nationally, respectively. However, for both Purple and Common Gallinules, there are no available data for either species at any scale (state, flyway, or nationally) on which informed management actions can be made. The focus of our proposed work is to gather preliminary data on distribution and origin of harvested gallinules to provide data supporting an appropriate, data-driven management framework for Purple and Common Gallinule in the Mississippi Flyway. Partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service Webless Program, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and LSU AgCenter,
Rail and Gallinule Movements in Coastal Louisiana	August 2024	Water levels can have a significant effect on waterbird movements. However, little is known about how water levels influence movements of secretive marshibrds. In this study, we are using satellite telemetry to determine habitat use and movements of King Rails, Clapper Rails, Common Gallinules and Purple Gallinules.	Water levels can have a significant effect on waterbird movements. However, little is known about how water levels influence movements of secretive marshibrds. In this study, we are using satellite telemetry to determine habitat use and movements of King Rails, Clapper Rails, Common Gallinules and Purple Gallinules. Partners include Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and the Louisiana Technical Implementation Group.
Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of Secretive Marshbirds in Southeastern Louisiana	August 2024	Louisiana has embarked on a $50 billion coastal restoration program. Numerous marshes have been restored under previous funding mechanisms but little attention has been paid to providing habitat for secretive marshbirds. Furthermore, following oil spills, determining loss of secretive marshbirds is difficult but could be improved by better understanding specific habitat characteristics. In this study, we are evaluating the effects of local and landscape habitat characteristics on secretive marshbird abundance in five hydrologic basins of southeastern coastal Louisiana.	Louisiana has embarked on a $50 billion coastal restoration program. Numerous marshes have been restored under previous funding mechanisms but little attention has been paid to providing habitat for secretive marshbirds. Furthermore, following oil spills, determining loss of secretive marshbirds is difficult but could be improved by better understanding specific habitat characteristics. In this study, we are evaluating the effects of local and landscape habitat characteristics on secretive marshbird abundance in five hydrologic basins of southeastern coastal Louisiana. Partners include the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana Technical Implementation Group (BP Oil Spill Recovery), and the Coastal Protection and Restoraton Authority.
Comparison of Avian Communities and Hydrological Characteristics on Restored and Natural Marshes in Coastal Louisiana	August 2024	Louisiana has embarked on a $50 billion coastal restoration program. Numerous marshes have been restored under previous funding mechanisms but little evaluation has been conducted to determine the effects on bird communities. Surface flooding can have significant effects on bird communities, but we know little about hydrologic conditions on restored sites. In this study, we are evaluating bird communities and hydrologic conditions in restored marshes and paired natural marshes in close vicinity to the restored marsh.	Louisiana has embarked on a $50 billion coastal restoration program. Numerous marshes have been restored under previous funding mechanisms but little evaluation has been conducted to determine the effects on bird communities. Surface flooding can have significant effects on bird communities, but we know little about hydrologic conditions on restored sites. In this study, we are evaluating bird communities and hydrologic conditions in restored marshes and paired natural marshes in close vicinity to the restored marsh. Partners are the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the LA Technical Implementation Group (BP Oil Spill Recovery), and the Coastal Wetland Protection and Restoration Authority. This research will allow us to identify restoration measures that improve bird habitats.
An Evaluation of Factors Limiting Plant Establishment at Malheur Lake	May 2023	During most of the 1900s, Malheur Lake at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge supported an abundant mixture of emergent and submergent vegetation. However, after deep and prolonged flooding in the 1980s, vegetation disappeared and has not reestablished throughout most of the lake. In this study, we are using seedbank experiments and exclosures to identify the factors affecting germination and establishment. The seedbank experiment will determine whether an adequate seedbank exists in the soils. The exclosures, placed across an elevation gradient, weill determine whether herbivory is affecting establishment. During the first year of the study, numerous germinants were observed in the seedbank experiment and extensive germination occurred in the exclosures. However, following germination in the exclosures, the majority of plants died presumably due to soil moisture declines. The second year of the study will include a seedbank analysis from a larger portion of the lake, continued evaluation of the exclosures, and more extensive soil moisture monitoring.	During most of the 1900s, Malheur Lake at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge supported an abundant mixture of emergent and submergent vegetation. However, after deep and prolonged flooding in the 1980s, vegetation disappeared and has not reestablished throughout most of the lake. In this study, we are using seedbank experiments and exclosures to identify the factors affecting germination and establishment. Partners include the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service and the High Desert Partnership.
Developing modeling tools and frameworks for oyster management and restoration	January 2026	Management and restoration of economically and ecologically important oyster resources across the Gulf of Mexico requires integration of water quality, oyster physiology and performance data. This project works with state and federal management agencies to analyze existing data and project outcomes, and to integrate current understanding of oyster performance in order to development geospatial management tools to inform management.	<b>Management and restoration of economically and ecologically important oyster resources across the Gulf of Mexico requires integration of water quality, oyster physiology and performance data. This project works with state and federal management agencies to analyze existing data and project outcomes, and to integrate current understanding of oyster performance in order to development geospatial management tools to inform management. </b>
Effects of Drought on Seed Germination and Biomass Allocation in Seedlings of Bottomland Hardwood Trees	June 2021	Global changes to floodplain hydrology for flood control and water-management coupled with increased climatic variability has led to intensified drought conditions in riparian forest communities, including bottomland hardwood forests of the southern United States. Bottomland hardwoods are experiencing range wide shifts in species composition to less flood tolerant species but there is a lack of process-level understating regarding the effects of altered hydrology on bottomland hardwood community structure. This project will evaluate the effects of drought, or differing levels of water availability, on seed germination of select bottomland hardwood species. In addition, greenhouse and field experiments will evaluate how different species of bottomland hardwood seedlings allocate carbon among roots, stems, and leaves under varying soil moisture conditions. This research will begin to allow us to understand how the mechanisms of bottomland hardwood regeneration are affected by drought and to develop more effective forest management approaches under changing hydrologic and soil moisture conditions.	Global changes to floodplain hydrology for flood control and water-management coupled with increased climatic variability has led to intensified drought conditions in riparian forest communities, including bottomland hardwood forests of the southern United States. Bottomland hardwoods are experiencing range wide shifts in species composition to less flood tolerant species but there is a lack of process-level understating regarding the effects of altered hydrology on bottomland hardwood community structure. This project will evaluate the effects of drought, or differing levels of water availability, on seed germination of select bottomland hardwood species. In addition, greenhouse and field experiments will evaluate how different species of bottomland hardwood seedlings allocate carbon among roots, stems, and leaves under varying soil moisture conditions. This research will begin to allow us to understand how the mechanisms of bottomland hardwood regeneration are affected by drought and to develop more effective forest management approaches under changing hydrologic and soil moisture conditions.
Exploring Louisiana's oyster populations: examining population tolerances to salinity	June 2026	This project tests performance of previously untested populations of oysters from Louisiana waters under different water quality conditions. The goal is to identify potential stocks for a breeding program, and identify characteristics of oysters to match to environmental settings.	On-going and predicted changes in precipitation and river flow from management impact key estuarine species such as the eastern oyster (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>). Oysters act as estuarine sentinels, serving as indicators of change, and as ecosystem engineers, altering their environment and providing ecosystem services, including critical habitat and supporting a valuable economic product. However, an estimated 50 to 89% of native oyster populations have been functionally lost in the nGOM due to the combined effects of multiple environmental stressors (climate, extreme events) and anthropogenic activities (oil spills, river management). Yet, unique populations in areas of Louisiana not generally considered to provide good oyster habitat. In collaboration with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Louisiana Sea Grant, this project tests the performance of previously untested populations of oysters from Louisiana waters under different water quality conditions. The goal is to identify potential stocks for a breeding program, and identify oyster populations that will thrive under current and future water quality conditions.
Using the submerged aquatic vegetation likelihood of occurrence model to inform restoration	May 2019	Over 50 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was found to be impacted during during the 2010 oil spill off coastal Louisiana. To inform and guide decision making, a down-scaled model of a coast-wide likelihood occurrence model is being applied to the national park waters. This work is done in collaboration with the National Park Service, RESTORE and Fish and Wildlife Service. This down-scaled model will enable managers to make decisions related to restoration options.	Over 50 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was found to be impacted during during the 2010 oil spill off coastal Louisiana. To inform and guide decision making, a down-scaled model of a coast-wide likelihood occurrence model is being applied to the national park waters. This work is done in collaboration with the National Park Service, RESTORE and Fish and Wildlife Service. This down-scaled model will enable managers to make decisions related to restoration options.
Development of monitoring and adaptive management plans for restoring the gulf coast	February 2019	On April 4, 2016, the Trustees reached a settlement with BP to resolve BP’s liability for natural resource injuries from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Based on this assessment, the Trustees selected a comprehensive, integrated ecosystem approach to restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. Given the unprecedented temporal, spatial, and funding scales associated with the DWH oil spill restoration effort, robust monitoring and adaptive management to support restoration planning and implementation are integrated into planning efforts. This work, in collaboration with all Trustees and state and federal agencies managing coastal resources, aims to develop a framework that will enable the evaluation of restoration effectiveness, address uncertainties, as applicable, related to project planning and implementation, and provide feedback to inform future restoration decisions.	On April 4, 2016, the Trustees reached a settlement with BP to resolve BP’s liability for natural resource injuries from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process. Based on this assessment, the Trustees selected a comprehensive, integrated ecosystem approach to restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. Given the unprecedented temporal, spatial, and funding scales associated with the DWH oil spill restoration effort, robust monitoring and adaptive management to support restoration planning and implementation are integrated into planning efforts. This work, in collaboration with all Trustees and state and federal agencies managing coastal resources, aims to develop a framework that will enable the evaluation of restoration effectiveness, address uncertainties, as applicable, related to project planning and implementation, and provide feedback to inform future restoration decisions.
Wetland management impacts to Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus), Wrightâ¿¿s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii) and Leoncita false-foxglove (Agalinis calycina).	June 2021	Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus; endangered), Wright’s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii; Species of Concern; candidate species), and Leoncita false foxglove (Agalinis calycina; Species of Concern) are rare species that are found on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. A greater understanding of seed germination and establishment requirements could allow for moist-soil management strategies that could increase the populations of all 3 species. In this study, we will conduct laboratory and field experiments to identify the effects of soil moisture and salinity on germination and establishment of these species. In addition, we will evaluate energy availability for waterfowl for moist soil units managed for these rare plant species.	Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus; endangered), Wright’s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii; Species of Concern; candidate species), and Leoncita false foxglove (Agalinis calycina; Species of Concern) are rare species that are found on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. A greater understanding of seed germination and establishment requirements could allow for moist-soil management strategies that could increase the populations of all 3 species. In this study, we will conduct laboratory and field experiments to identify the effects of soil moisture and salinity on germination and establishment of these species. In addition, we will evaluate energy availability for waterfowl for moist soil units managed for these rare plant species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge are collaborators on this project. We will identify critical parameters for germination and establishment of these species and develop experimental moist-soil management regimes to enhance rare plant populations.
Managing Louisiana's Coastal Wetlands For Sustainability in the Face of Sea Level Rise	November 2020	Marshes maintain elevation when accretion rates exceed decomposition and subsidence processes. Marsh management practices, such as drawdowns and fire, can accelerate decomposition of organic soils and lead to elevation loss. In this study, we will determine long-term accretion rates in managed and unmanaged coastal marshes in southwestern Louisiana. Companion and future studies will quantify the specific effects of selected marsh management practices on accretion and decomposition rates. Our goal is to identify long-term marsh management approaches that allow or accelerate marsh vertical accretion while also providing desired wildlife benefits.	Management of coastal marshes for wetland wildlife is a common practice along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. Marsh management practices, such as drawdowns and fire, can, however, accelerate decomposition rates of organic soils and lead to loss of elevation and marsh conversion to open water. These same practices, however, can also accelerate plant production and potentially lead to elevation gain through increased long-term accretion rates. In this study, we will quantify the long-term accretion rate of managed and unmanaged marshes. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries funded the study and their scientists/wetland managers are active participants; Dr. Andy Nyman of LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources is a co-PI. Companion and future studies will quantify the specific effects of selected marsh management practices on annual accretion and decomposition rates. Ultimately, this research will identify long-term marsh management approaches that allow for, or accelerate, marsh vertical accretion while also providing desired wildlife benefits.
Managing Coastal Wetlands for Wildlife and Sustainability in the Face of Sea Level Rise	August 2021	Coastal wetlands are a critical resource for waterfowl, other waterbirds, alligators, furbearers and a variety of other wetland-dependent wildlife. As such, hundreds of thousands of acres and millions of dollars have been invested in coastal wildlife refuges in Louisiana and Texas. In spite of their protection by public ownership, natural and anthropogenically-induced processes are threatening the long-term viability of these systems. Natural and anthropogenically-induced subsidence, reduced sediment loads, and increased eustatic sea levels have caused substantial marsh loss in Louisiana and Texas, with increased rates of sea level rise expected in the future. The ability of marshes to keep up with sea level rise is the result of decomposition and accretion processes. Common marsh management practices, such as fire, flooding, drawdown, and herbicides, affect accretion and decomposition rates but these rates are poorly understood and rarely quantified. In this study, we will evaluate accretion and decomposition processes in selected managed units at J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area in Texas.	Coastal marshes are critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and fisheries species. Marsh loss, however, is common along the Gulf Coast and may increase with increased rates of sea level rise. To keep up with sea level rise, marsh accretion rates (particularly below ground organic material) must exceed decomposition rates. Common marsh management practices, such as fire, flooding, and drawdowns, influence decomposition and accretion, and has led to elevations declines of several feet in many waterfowl management units. We are working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to determine the effects of selected management practices on accretion and decomposition processes in waterfowl management units at J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area near Port Arthur, Texas. This research will be used to develop waterfowl management practices that benefit waterfowl but also allow marshes to adjust to increasing sea levels.
Determining Optimal Elevation for Restoration of an Island Used by Rare Colonial Nesting Waterbirds	June 2019	We are evaluating the effects of flooding/elevation, nest predation, and other factors on nest success of several species of colonial nesting waterbirds. Ultimately, we are interested in determining the optimal elevation for island restoration based upon the balance between flood risk and island occupancy by mammalian predators	Several rare species of colonial nesting waterbirds nest at Rabbit Island, Louisiana. However, the island floods frequently and causes nest failure. LDWF is going to restore the island at a cost of about $40 million so information is needed on the optimal target elevation for restoration that minimizes flood risk and occupancy of the islands by mammalian predators. The LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources provided the first year of stipend funds; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is working closely with us and will fund the final 1.5 years of the project. This information will be used to minimize costs of island restoration and maximize benefits. Too low of island height leads to nest failure by flooding and too high of elevation increases the probability of occupancy by woody vegetation and mammalian predators.
Bottomland Hardwood Composition Change as Controlled by Regeneration and Hydrologic Processes	June 2019	Bottomland hardwood forests are distributed along rivers and streams in the southeastern United States, with the greatest concentration in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Recent research has indicated that hydrologic alterations are leading to broad scale changes in forest species composition. In this study, we will quantify hydrologic changes in selected bottomland hardwood forests and determine the effects of hydrologic processes on seed germination and seedling establishment of select tree species.	None
Genomic variation and local adaptation among natural stocks of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in coastal Louisiana	August 2021	For any fishery, natural genetic variation among and within stocks is of critical importance, affecting aquaculture success and the outcome of restoration, recovery from overharvest ( and the capacity to respond to environmental change . Nevertheless, there are no comprehensive data on genetic variation among or within Louisiana oyster stocks, limiting managers’ abilities to choose stocks for aquaculture, or to predict the ways that environmental change might differentially impact stocks with varying environmental histories. Specifically, this research will address the following questions: A.How much genomic variation exists among oysters from geographically separated sites with differing environmental conditions? B.Do genetic differences among sites translate into differences in growth and survival among stocks translocated among sites? C.Is there genetic evidence of post-settlement selective mortality, which would contribute to differentiation among stocks? D.Do the larvae of adults from different sites vary in their salinity tolerances?	For any fishery, natural genetic variation among and within stocks is of critical importance, affecting aquaculture success and the outcome of restoration, recovery from overharvest ( and the capacity to respond to environmental change . Nevertheless, there are no comprehensive data on genetic variation among or within Louisiana oyster stocks, limiting managers’ abilities to choose stocks for aquaculture, or to predict the ways that environmental change might differentially impact stocks with varying environmental histories. In collaboration with researchers from Alabama (Auburn University), Louisiana (LSU, LSU AgCenter, LA Sea Grant, LDWF) and Texas (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi), this project is examining phenotypic variation, and potential markers and variation in oysters growing under different environmental conditions (salinity) and looking for evidence of post-settlement selection. Identifying potential markers conferring either low or high salinity tolerance on oysters would enable stock selection of oyster populations for both aquaculture and restoration.
Improving region specific eastern oyster models by quantifying physiological responses regional environmental and climatic variability (using a DEB approach)	January 2016	This study proposes to develop a DEB model for the eastern oyster, specifically applicable to the eastern oyster in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This project will involve several steps (1) develop a generic DEB model for the eastern oyster using available information for the eastern oyster (regardless of region or source population), (2) quantify key physiological rates (i.e., respiration, ingestion) for nGoM eastern oysters exposed to the range of temperature, salinity and food conditions reflecting conditions in the nGoM in order to provide model parameters, (3) fully parameterize the generic DEB model using our experimental data, and (4) use existing datasets (JLaPeyre & MLaPeyre, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) to calibrate and test the DEB model. The measurement of precise respiration and filtration rates (to derive ingestion) under a wide range of salinity, temperature and food conditions and the development of a DEB model for predicting oyster growth would ensure more accurate predictions of oyster growth, harvest, under specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, this work would enable predictions of carrying capacity for proposed regional aquaculture parks, identification of areas for restoration and protected areas, and predictions of oyster growth and production under predicted water diversion, sea level rise, and climate change scenarios. Ultimately, the generic DEB model could also be parameterized for other regions and applied widely.	Species management benefits from the development of models that can be adapted across the species' range, and to not only current, but also predicted changes in the environment. Eastern oysters are a commercially and economically important species, but their populations have been hard hit by recent storms and natural disasters along the gulf coast. Managing the eastern oyster for maximum production and population sustainability benefits from the ability to predict changes in growth, given changing environmental conditions. In collaboration with researchers from France, Canada, and state oyster managers, this work develops a dynamic energy budget model framework that enables managers and researchers to input a previously unaccounted stress on oyster populations - changes in salinity regime. Through physiological work, and field data, this provides a model useful for predicting consequences of future environmental scenarios on oyster growth, that can be adapted to different estuaries.

Research Publications

Research Publications	Publication Date
Yurek S, Eaton MJ, Lavaud R, Laney RW, DeAngelis D, Pine III, WE, La Peyre MK, Martin J, Frederick P, Wang H, Lowe MR, Johnson F, Camp EV, Mordecai R. 2021 Modeling structural mechanics of oyster reef self-organization including environmental constraints and community interactions. Ecological Modelling 440:109389 \| Abstract \| Download	January 2021	Self-organization in reef-building systems is a process of establishing reef morphology on aquatic landscapes from substrate generated by the population, and reinforcing these structures through interactions between internal processes and external factors. In oyster reefs, internal dynamics include production of calcareous shell, which serves as settlement substrate for larval recruits. External factors include environmental conditions and predation, which regulate overall population size through growth and mortality, but also regulate settlement dynamics by exposing interior shell surfaces through mortality. Oyster reefs are also highly spatially constrained by aquatic conditions, thus their efficiency for producing settlement habitat under these constraints may be critical to self-organization and long term persistence. We developed an individual based model that simulates engineering of oyster reefs through individual contributions of shell, which slowly degrade and consolidate to form reef structure. Reef habitat has two aspects in this model, one for elevating the population above the benthos, and another for making exposed shell surfaces available for settlement. We applied the model to examine how these two aspects relate to the live population as a coupled system with complex feedbacks. In particular, we examined how temporal dynamics of the reef proceed through time as the size structure of the live population and relative composition of shell types change through time. To represent these dynamics, we simulated single restoration events and tracked ensuing dynamics over subsequent decades without additional enhancement, for an example study site in South Carolina (USA). To estimate uncertainty in restoration performance, we followed a biological ensemble modeling approach, varying selected model parameters over five scenarios of predator community composition. Our goal was to identify trends that were robust across simulations, which could serve as hypotheses and predictions for future field studies. The overall temporal pattern of simulations was three distinct phases: initial transient dynamics of the stocked population, followed by growth and saturation of the life population, and then saturation of settlement habitat several years later. All simulations incurred considerable loss of shell biomass during the transient phase when the live population was establishing and shell degradation exceeded production. Simulations with predators were able to recover from this decline through production of live oysters, while simulations without predators continued to decline throughout simulation runs. These results indicate that reefs can be productive with respect to the live population, but decline overall in reef substrate. We conclude with hypotheses relating the efficiency of generation of settlement habitat to measures of biomass and individual density, which suggest levels that may lead to reef self-organization.
Wohner, PJ, SA Laymon, JE Stanek, SL King, RJ Cooper. 2021. Challenging our understanding of western Yellow-billed Cuckoo habitat needs and accepted management practices. Restoration Ecology 29(3): e13331. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13331 \| Abstract	March 2021	<b>Riparian restoration in the southwestern United States frequently involves planting cottonwood (<i>Populus</i> spp.) and willow (<i>Salix</i> spp.) cuttings or seedlings. In the absence of flooding and gap-forming disturbance, planted forests often senesce without further young tree recruitment. This has largely been the case in riparian systems in California that historically supported state endangered western Yellow-billed Cuckoo (<i>Coccyzus americanus</i>; Cuckoo). Associated with riparian forest maturation has been around an 85% decline in Cuckoo population numbers in approximately the past thirty years. Other riparian species of concern show a concomitant decline, indicating the problem is not specific to Cuckoo. Although varying hypotheses exist for the recent decline, alternative management practices have not been sufficiently explored to rule out breeding ground habitat quality as a major contributing factor. Few intensive Cuckoo datasets currently exist to test hypotheses about breeding habitat quality due to extremely low populations in the remaining occupied sites. We used a historical (1986–1996) spot mapping dataset from the South Fork Kern River Valley, California to identify vegetation characteristics related to Cuckoo and five other sensitive riparian bird territory densities. We found Cuckoo densities were positively associated with increased vertical vegetative structure 1–5 m above ground with a threshold for mean tree height. Sensitive species densities were also related to vertical structure and started to decline with stand height greater than 6–8 m. Low and mid canopy vertical structure started declining after about age eight. Naturally regenerated sites had higher densities of most sensitive bird species than planted sites. We provide ideas for restoring mature forest with little low to mid canopy vertical structure.</b>
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2006. Secretive marsh bird distribution among structurally different vegetation types in managed wetlands of northwest Tennessee. Wetlands 26:619-623.	June 2006
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2006. Least Bittern nesting sites at Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. Southeastern Naturalist 5(2):317-320.	June 2006
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2005. A Pied-billed Grebe nest and Common Moorhen brood platform near Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. The Migrant 76(3):85-88.	September 2006
Wilhide, J. D., S. M. Cochran, V. E. Hoffman, S. L. King, and V. R. McDaniel. 2005. Roost and habitat use by bats in a southern bottomland hardwood forest. Pages 397-402 in L. H. Fredrickson, S. L. King, and R. M. Kaminski, eds. Ecology and management of bottomland hardwood systems: the state of our understanding. University of Missouri-Columbia. Gaylord Memorial Laboratory Special Publication No. 10. Puxico, MO.	August 2005
Westbrook, P., Heffner, L., La Peyre, MK. 2019. Oyster-mediated nutrient bioassimilation, burial and denitrification: effects of timing and location. Marine Biology 166:4. \| Abstract	December 2018	Restoration of oyster habitat across Louisiana may offer a valuable approach to mitigating anthropogenic nutrient inputs to coastal estuaries. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the reefs they create provide significant ecosystem services, including potential nutrient mitigation via bioassimilation, burial, and oyster-mediated denitrification. This study measured bioassimilation, burial, and oyster-mediated sediment denitrification in near-shore shallow-water (< 1 m water depth) and deep-water (> 1 m water depth) oyster reefs in Louisiana. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in shell and tissue was within the range of previous studies, but was found to be influenced by reproductive status, size, and habitat type. Changes in tissue percent N and C post spawning combined with significant reductions in tissue weight from the release of gametes, resulted in 20 and 46% reduction in tissue N and tissue C load (mg) for a 100 mm oyster, respectively. Percent N and C buried in sediments were highest at shallow-water reefs (0.52  0.05% and 8.92  0.89% respectively), likely due to their close proximity to the marsh edge and thus exposure to a greater influx of detrital material. Closed-system ex-situ incubations indicated net denitrification in all habitat types studied, with the highest rates exceeding 600 µmol m-2 hr-1 during the summer, but no enhancement attributable to oyster reefs specifically. Considering the large extent of reefs and oyster production across coastal Louisiana, oyster habitats may still contribute to nutrient mitigation, but their unique contribution likely comes from bioassimilation, and removal of tissue and or shell from the system. Efforts to predict oyster reef nutrient mitigation requires incorporating timing of harvest and habitat context.
Weckstein, J. D., A. D. Afton, R. M. Zink, and R. T. Alisauskas. 2002. Hybridization and population subdivision within and between Ross's geese and lesser snow geese: a molecular perspective. Condor 104:432-436	June 2002
Watson, A., Reece, J., Tirpak, B.E., Edwards, C.K., Geselbracht, L., Woodrey, M., La Peyre, M.K., and Dalyander, P.S., 2017, The Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment: Mangrove, Tidal Emergent Marsh, Barrier Islands, and Oyster Reef: Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Research Bulletin WFA421, Mississippi State University, 100 p., http://www.fwrc.msstate.edu/pubs/Gulf_Coast_Vulnerability_Assessment.pdf. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	June 2017	Climate, sea level rise, and urbanization are undergoing unprecedented levels of combined change and are expected to have large effects on natural resources—particularly along the Gulf of Mexico coastline (Gulf Coast). Management decisions to address these effects (i.e., adaptation) require an understanding of the relative vulnerability of various resources to these stressors. To meet this need, the four Landscape Conservation Cooperatives along the Gulf partnered with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance to conduct this Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment (GCVA). Vulnerability in this context incorporates exposure and sensitivity to threats (potential impact), coupled with the adaptive capacity to mitigate those threats. Potential impact and adaptive capacity reflect natural history features of target species and ecosystems. The GCVA used an expert opinion approach to qualitatively assess the vulnerability of four ecosystems: mangrove, oyster reef, tidal emergent marsh, and barrier islands, and a suite of wildlife species that depend on them. More than 50 individuals participated in the completion of the GCVA, facilitated via Ecosystem and Species Expert Teams. Of the species assessed, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was identified as the most vulnerable species across the Gulf Coast. Experts identified the main threats as loss of nesting habitat to sea level rise, erosion, and urbanization. Kemp’s ridley also had an overall low adaptive capacity score due to their low genetic diversity, and higher nest site fidelity as compared to other assessed species. Tidal emergent marsh was the most vulnerable ecosystem, due in part to sea level rise and erosion. In general, avian species were more vulnerable than fish because of nesting habitat loss to sea level rise, erosion, and potential increases in storm surge. Assessors commonly indicated a lack of information regarding impacts due to projected changes in the disturbance regime, biotic interactions, and synergistic effects in both the species and habitat assessments. Many of the assessors who focused on species also identified data gaps regarding genetic information, phenotypic plasticity, life history, and species responses to past climate change and sea level rise. Regardless of information gaps, the results from the GCVA can be used to inform Gulf-wide adaptation plans. Given the scale of climatic impacts, coordinated efforts to address Gulf-wide threats to species and ecosystems will enhance the effectiveness of management actions and also have the potential to maximize the efficacy of limited funding.
Watson, A., J. Reece, B.E. Tirpak, C. K. Edwards, L. Geselbracht, M. Woodrey, M. LaPeyre, and P. S. Dalyander. 2015. The Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment: Mangrove, Tidal Emergent Marsh, Barrier Islands, and Oyster Reef. \| Abstract	October 2015	Climate, sea-level rise, and urbanization are undergoing unprecedented levels of change and are expected to have large effects on natural resources particularly along the Gulf of Mexico coastline (Gulf Coast). Management decisions to address these effects (i.e., adaptation) require an understanding of the relative vulnerability of various resources to these stressors. To meet this need, the four Landscape Conservation Cooperatives along the Gulf partnered with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance to conduct the Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment (GCVA). The GCVA uses an expert-opinion approach to qualitatively assess the vulnerability of four ecosystems: mangrove, oyster reef, tidal emergent marsh, and barrier islands, and a suite of wildlife species that dependent on them. Vulnerability incorporates the aspects of exposure and sensitivity to threat, coupled with the adaptive capacity to mitigate that threat. Potential impact and adaptive capacity reflect natural history features of target organisms and systems. More than 50 individuals participated in the completion of the GCVA, facilitated via Ecosystem and Species Expert Teams. Results suggest that, in general, the species assessed demonstrate higher vulnerability than broader ecosystems, likely due to more specialized natural history requirements.
Wang, H., Q. Chen, M.K. La Peyre, K. Hu, J.F. La Peyre. 2017. Predicting the impacts of Mississippi River Diversions and Sea-Level Rise on spatial patterns of eastern oyster growth rate and production. Ecological Modelling. 352:40-53.	January 2017
Wang, H., Q Chen, K Hu and M. La Peyre. 2016. A modeling study of the impacts of MIssissippi River diversion and sea-level rise on water quality of a deltaic estuary. Estuaries and Coasts. Estuaries and Coasts. DOI 10.1007/s12237-016-0197-7	December 2016
Vest, J. L., R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and F. J. Vilella. 2006. Body mass of lesser scaup during fall and winter in the Mississippi flyway. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:1789-1795.	February 2007
Valente, J. J., S. L. King, and R. Wilson. 2011. Distribution and habitat associations of breeding secretive marsh birds in Louisiana's Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Wetlands 31(1): 1-10.	February 2011
Valente, J. J., S. L. King, and R. R. Wilson. 2012. Summer use of rice fields by secretive marsh birds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of northeast Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist 11(3):423-436.	September 2012
Toft, JD, Bilkovic, DM, M. Mitchell and M. La Peyre. 2017. Chapter 24: A Synthesis of Living Shoreline Perspectives. In: Bilkovic, DM, M. Mitchell, MK La Peyre, JD Toft. eds. Living shorelines: the science and management of nature-based coastal protection. CRC Press. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.	February 2017
Taylor, C., La Peyre MK, Sable S., Kiskadon E, Baustian M. 2020. Gear Comparison Study for Sampling Nekton in Barataria Basin Marshes. 66 pp. https://thewaterinstitute.org/reports	June 2020
Taylor CB, Nyman JA, La Peyre MK. 2022. Effects of freshwater inflow on nekton assemblages and blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, populations in southeastern Louisiana. Aquatic Biology DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00748 \| Abstract	January 2022	High fisheries production within estuaries is associated with coastal upwelling, tidal mixing, and land-based runoff including river inflows that vary from climate and human activities. Understanding how estuarine nekton respond to changing river flows remains critical to manage these systems to maintain fisheries production. To compare effects of different river inflows on nekton, we quantified nekton assemblages in marsh edge and open water sites within an active and inactive delta system. Crustaceans dominated assemblages with Palaemonid shrimp contributing 44% to 65% of total catch, differing only by season, and not delta; summer and fall generally supporting higher densities. In contrast, fish density and assemblages differed seasonally between deltas with the largest differences occurring during extended and high spring river discharge into the active delta. During this period, the active delta experienced lowered salinity, temperature, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) biomass, and reduced fish densities and richness compared to the inactive delta. Active delta sites supported greater biomass of <i>Callinectes sapidus</i> during the fall at marsh edge sites compared to other season and delta combinations. Nekton densities and habitat use patterns across deltas and seasons reflect a combination of life history characteristics of dominant species and habitat conditions. The high spring river discharge in 2019 impacted habitat availability (reduced SAV biomass), habitat quality (decreased temperatures and salinity), and potentially displaced nekton to un-sampled habitat areas (i.e., interior marsh surface) within the active delta. Understanding how altered inflow impacts environmental and habitat variables supporting estuarine nekton production remains critical to support management.
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2008. New duck hunting technologies: hunter perceptions contradict data on effectiveness. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 13:299-300.	July 2008
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2005. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33:993-1001.	February 2006
Szymanski, M. L., A. D. Afton, and K. A. Hobson. 2007. Use of stable isotope methodology to determine natal origins of mallards at a fine scale within the Upper-Midwest. Journal of Wildlife Management 71:1317-1324	June 2007
Szymanski, M. L., A. D. Afton, and K. A. Hobson. 2007. Erratum. Journal of Wildlife Management 71:2118.	August 2007
Swam LM, La Peyre MK, Couvillion B, Callam B, La Peyre JF. 2022 Defining oyster resource zones across coastal Louisiana for restoration and aquaculture. Ocean and Coastal Management \| Abstract	April 2022	Eastern oysters (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>) are a critical ecological and commercial resource in the northern Gulf of Mexico facing changing environmental conditions from river management and climate change. In Louisiana, USA, development of restored reefs, and off-bottom aquaculture would benefit from the identification of locations supportive of sustainable oyster populations (<i>i.e.,</i> metapopulations) and high consistent production. This study defines four oyster resource zones across coastal Louisiana based on environmental conditions known to affect oyster survival, growth, and reproduction. Daily data from 2015 – 2019 were interpolated to generate salinity and temperature profiles across Louisiana’s estuaries, which were then used to classify zones based on monthly and annual salinity mean and variance. Zones were classified as supportive of (1) broodstock sanctuary reefs (i.e., support reproductive populations), (2) productive reefs during dry (salty) years, (3) productive reefs during wet (fresh) years, and (4) off-bottom aquaculture development. Of the 38,000 km<sup>2</sup> investigated, over 11,000 km<sup>2</sup> of potential oyster zone area was identified across the Louisiana coast. The Broodstock Sanctuary Zone was the smallest (~540 km<sup>2</sup>), as salinity variance limited this zone in many areas, as it is driven largely by riverine inputs across many estuaries. Located up-estuary (Dry Restoration Zone) and down-estuary (Wet Restoration Zone) of the Broodstock Sanctuary Zone, Dry and Wet Restoration Zone areas covered ~2,400 km<sup>2</sup> and ~3,900 km<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Existing mapped reefs in Louisiana currently exist largely within the Dry Restoration zones, suggesting a potential strategy to focus reef development in Wet Restoration zones to ensure reef network sustainability through years with high precipitation and river inflow. The off-bottom Aquaculture Zone was the largest (~6,400 km<sup>2</sup>) zone identified, with much of this area located more down-estuary and off-shore. Accounting for variable water quality conditions enables the development of a network of reefs resilient to environmental variability, and more stable areas for consistent off-bottom aquaculture production. Spatial planning and identification of oyster resource zones reduces focus on individual reef success and supports management of oyster metapopulation outcomes, while identifying zones supportive of off-bottom aquaculture.
Swam L, Marshall D, La Peyre MK. 2022. Five years of monitoring of bio-engineered living shoreline oyster reef development. Cooperator Science Series 139-2022.	February 2022
Swam L, La Peyre MK, Callam B, La Peyre JF. 2022 Local populations of eastern oyster from Louisiana differ in their tolerance to low salinity. North American Journal of Aquaculture. \| Abstract	July 2022	Eastern oysters support a critical commercial industry and provide many ecosystem services to coastal estuaries yet are currently threatened by changing estuarine conditions. A changing climate alongside river and coastal management strategies are affecting freshwater inflows into productive oyster areas, causing more frequent and extreme salinity exposure. Although oysters are tolerant to a wide range of salinity means and variation, more frequent and extreme exposure to low salinity (< 5) impacts oyster populations and aquaculture operations. This study assessed four Louisiana, USA oyster stocks to explore population-specific responses to low salinity exposure. Hatchery-produced progeny (< 25 mm) were deployed in baskets kept off-bottom on longline systems in a low salinity (mean ± 1 SEM daily salinity of 8.7 ± 0.2, ranging 1.2 – 19.0) and a moderate salinity (mean ± 1 SEM daily salinity of 16.8 ± 0.3, ranging 4.8 – 30.0) environment for one year with growth and mortality determined monthly. Significant differences in cumulative mortality between stocks at the end of the study were found at the low salinity site, with the greatest increase in cumulative mortality occurring mid-July to mid-August. Mortality differences between stocks suggest that discrete oyster populations may be better suited to low salinity or low salinity events than others. This difference may be attributed to similarity between site of origin and grow out site conditions and/or to greater salinity variability and therefore higher phenotypic plasticity in some oyster populations compared to others. The identification of oyster stocks able to survive under extreme low salinity conditions would facilitate the development of “low salinity tolerant” broodstock to support aquaculture in areas experiencing and predicted to experience low salinity events.
Soniat et al.2012 A Shell-neutral modeling approach yields sustainable oyster harvest estimates: a retrospective analysis of the Louisiana state primary seed grounds. Journal of Shellfish Research 31:1101-1112. Dec 2012.	December 2012
Sehlinger, T, Lowe MR, La Peyre MK, Soniat TM. Differential effects of temperature and salinity on growth and mortality of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in Barataria Bay and Breton Sound, Louisiana. 2019. Journal of Shellfish Research 38:317-326. https://doi.org/10.2983/035.038.0212.	August 2019
Schwarting Miller, L, J. La Peyre, M. La Peyre. 2017. Suitability of oyster restoration sites along the Louisiana coast: important biotic and abiotic factors influencing oyster population dynamics and reef-building. Journal of Shellfish Research 36:341-351. https://doi.org/10.2983/035.036.0206 URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/ \| Abstract	August 2017	Recognition of the global loss of subtidal oyster reefs has led to a rise in reef restoration efforts, including in the Gulf of Mexico. Reef restoration in the Gulf consists primarily of deploying hard substrate, and allowing oysters to recruit, grow, and proliferate, eventually building a living reef. Despite the large amount of resources devoted to the design and construction of oyster reefs, evaluation of the site prior to reef installation is often limited. Created reef success depends entirely on selecting a location that supports long-term oyster growth and survival, including the recruitment and survival of on-reef oysters. We examined oyster growth, mortality, condition and disease prevalence in different stocks of oysters located in protected cages, as well as oyster recruitment and mortality on experimental reef units in three different locations along the Louisiana Gulf coast in 2011 and 2012. Over a two-year period, our highest salinity site with the highest oyster growth rate in protected cages demonstrated the least likelihood for reef restoration success based on on-reef oyster population failure (high recruitment, 100% mortality). In contrast, our mid-salinity site with moderate oyster growth and on-reef recruitment had low and moderate recruitment and growth rates with low overall mortality, while the lowest salinity site exhibited extreme variability in all oyster responses on and off-reef due to one year of extended low salinity (< 2), and one year of above average salinity. The difference in oyster growth and survival rates between caged oysters and on-reef recruited oysters at each site clearly indicates that restoration suitability indices incorporating both oyster population dynamics and in-situ on-reef biotic and abiotic interactions are critical in better directing site selection for reef restoration efforts.
Rybovich, M., La Peyre, M., Hall, S., La Peyre, J. 2016. Growth and mortality of spat, seed, and market-sized oyster at low salinities and high temperatures. Journal of Shellfish Research. \| Abstract	October 2016	Changes in the timing and interaction of seasonal high temperatures and low salinities as predicted by climate change models could dramatically alter oyster population dynamics. Little is known explicitly about how low salinity and high temperature combinations affect spat (< 25 mm), seed (25-75 mm), and market (> 75 mm) oyster growth and mortality. Using lab and field studies, this project quantified the combined effects of extremely low salinities (< 5 psu) and high temperatures (>30°C) on growth and survival of spat, seed, and market-sized oysters. In 2012 and 2013, hatchery-produced oysters were placed in open and closed bags at three sites in Breton Sound, LA, along a salinity gradient which typically ranges from 5 to 20 psu. Growth and mortality were recorded monthly. Regardless of size class, oysters at the lowest salinity site (annual mean = 4.8 psu) experienced significantly higher mortality and lower growth than oysters located in higher salinity sites (annual means = 11.1 and 13.0 psu); furthermore, all oysters in open bags at the two higher salinity sites experienced higher mortality, likely due to predation. To explicitly examine oyster responses to extreme low salinity and high temperature combinations, a series of laboratory studies were conducted. Oysters were placed in 18 tanks in a fully crossed temperature (25°C, 32°C) by salinity (1, 5, 15 psu) study with 3 replicates, and repeated twice for each oyster size class. Regardless of temperature, seed and market oysters held in low salinity tanks (salinity = 1 psu) experienced 100% mortality within seven days. In contrast, at 5 psu, temperature significantly affected the mortality rate; all size class oysters experienced greater than 50% mortality at 32°C, and less than 40% mortality at 25°C. In higher salinity tanks (15 psu), only market-sized oysters held at 32°C experienced significant mortality (> 60%). These studies demonstrate that high water temperatures (> 30°C) and low salinities (< 5 psu) negatively impact oyster growth and survival, and that high temperatures alone may negatively impact market-sized oysters. It is critical to understand the potential impacts of climate and anthropogenic changes on oyster resources in order to better adapt and manage for long-term sustainability.
Rotella, J. J., R. G. Clark, and A. D. Afton. 2003. Survival of female lesser scaup: effects of body size, age, and reproductive effort. Condor 105:336-347.	May 2003
Ritenour, K., S.L.King, S. Collins, and M. D. Kaller. 2022. FACTORS AFFECTING NEST SUCCESS OF COLONIAL NESTING WATERBIRDS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA. Estuaries and Coasts. 45:897-912. \| Publisher Website	August 2021
Reece JS, Watson A, Dalyander PS, Edwards CK, Geselbracht L, La Peyre MK, Tirpak BE, Tirpak JM Woodrey, M. 2018. A multiscale natural community and species-level vulnerability assessment of the Gulf Coast, USA.	July 2018
Plunket J and M. L. La Peyre. 2005. Cultched oyster beds as fish adn macroinvertebrate habitat in Barataria Bay, LA. Bulletin of Marine Science 77(1):155-164.	July 2005
Pillatzki, A. E., R. D. Neiger, S. R. Chipps, K. F. Higgins, N. Thiex, and A. D. Afton. 2011. Hepatic element concentrations of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during spring migration in the upper Midwest. Archives of Environmental Contaminants and Toxicology 61:144-150.	January 2011
Pierluissi, S., and S. L. King. 2008. Relative Nest Density, Nest Success, and Site Occupancy of King Rails in Southwestern Louisiana Rice Fields. Waterbirds 31:530-540.	December 2008
Pierluissi, S., S. L. King, and M. D. Kaller. 2010. Waterbird Nest Density and Nest Survival in Rice Fields of Southwestern Louisiana. Waterbirds 33(3): 323-330.	September 2010
Pierce, A.R., and S.L. King. 2017. Hydrological responses to channelization and the formation of valley plugs and shoals. Wetlands 37:513-523.	February 2017
Pierce, A. R., and S. L. King. 2008. Spatial dynamics of overbank sedimentation in alluvial floodplain systems. Geomorphology 100:256-268.	August 2008
Pierce, A. R., and S. L. King. 2007. The influence of valley plugs in channelized streams on floodplain sedimentation dynamics over the last century. Wetlands 27:631-643.	September 2007
Pierce, A. R., and S. L. King. 2007. The effects of flooding and sedimentation on seed germination of two bottomland hardwood tree species. Wetlands 27:588-594.	September 2007
Pierce, A. R., and S. L. King. 2013. Valley plugs, land use, and phytogeomorphic response.In: John F. Shroder (ed.) Treatise on Geomorphology, Volume 12, pp. 221-235. San Diego: Academic Press.	March 2013
Pierce, A. R. and S. L. King. 2011. A comparison of avian communities and habitat characteristics in floodplain forests along channelized and unchannelized streams. River Research and Applications 27(10):1315-1324. \| Publisher Website	October 2011
Pickens, B.A., S.L. King, P. Vasseur, S. Zimorski, and W. Selman. 2017. Seasonal movements and multiscale habitat selection of Whooping Crane (Grus americana) in natural and agricultural wetlands. Waterbirds 40:322-333.	December 2017
Pickens, B. A., and S. L. King. 2014. Multi-Scale Habitat Selection of Wetland Birds in the Northern Gulf Coast. Estuaries and Coasts 37(5):1301-1311.	September 2014
Pickens, B. A., and S. L. King. 2014. Linking Multi-Temporal Satellite Imagery to Coastal Wetland Dynamics and Bird Distribution Ecological Modelling 285:1-12.	August 2014
Pickens, B. A., and S. L. King. 2013. Microhabitat selection, demography, and correlates of home range size for the King Rail (Rallus elegans). Waterbirds 36:319-329.	September 2013
Pickens, B. A., and S. L. King. 2012. Predicting the spatial distribution of King Rails in an agricultural landscape. Condor 114(1):113-122.	February 2012
Piazza, BP and MK La Peyre. 2011. Nekton community response to a large-scale Mississippi River discharge: examining immediate and lagged effects to managed freshwater flow. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science. \| Download \| Publisher Website	January 2011
Piazza, B.P., M.K. La Peyre. 2012. Measuring changes in consumer resource availability to riverine pulsing in Breton Sound, Louisiana, USA. PLoS ONE 7(5):e37536.	October 2012
Piazza, B.P. M.K. La Peyre and B.D. Keim. 2010. Relating large-scale climate variability to local species abundance: ENSO forcing and brown shrimp(Farfantepenaeus aztecus) in Breton Sound, Louisiana USA. Climate Research 42:195-207 \| Download	August 2010
Piazza, B., and M. K. La Peyre. 2007. Restoration of the annual flood pulse in Breton Sound, Louisiana, USA: habitat change and nekton community response. Aquatic Biology 1:109-119 \| Download	November 2007
Piazza, B., P. D. Banks and M. K. LA Peyre. 2005. The potential for created oyster reefs as a sustainable shoreline protection strategy in Louisiana. Restoration Ecology 13:1-8. \| Download	September 2005
Piazza, B. and M La Peyre. 2010. Using Gambusia affinis growth and condition to assess estuarine habitat quality: a comparison of indices. Marine Ecology Progress Series 412:231-245. \| Download	June 2010
Piazza, B. P., and M. K. La Peyre. 2009. The effect of Hurricane Katrina on nektkon communities in the tidal freshwater marshes of Breton Sound, Louiaiana, USA. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 12/31/08 \| Download	May 2009
Piazza BP, MK Piehler, B Gossman, MK La Peyre and JF La Peyre. Oyster recruitment and growth on an artificial reef structure in Grand Isle, LA. Bulletin of Marine Science 84:59-66. \| Download	December 2008
Perkins, M., S. L. King, and J. Linscombe. 2010. Effectiveness of capture techniques for rails in emergent marsh and agricultural wetlands. Waterbirds 33 (3):376-380.	September 2010
Perkins, M., S. L. King, S. E. Travis, and J. Linscombe. 2009. The use of morphometric measurements to differentiate between species and sex of king and clapper rails. Waterbirds 32:579-584	October 2009
Patton, BA, Nyman JA, La Peyre MK. 2020. Living on the edge: Multi-scale analyses of waterbird habitat use in coastal wetlands of Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA. Wetlands doi: 10.1007/s13157-020-01324-2,	July 2020
Pace, R. M., III., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Direct recovery rates of lesser scaup banded in northwest Minnesota: sources of heterogeneity. Journal of Wildlife Management 63:389-395.	November 1999
Oswalt, S., and S. L. King. 2005. Channelization and floodplain forests: impacts of accelerated sedimentation and valley plug formation on floodplain forests of the Middle Fork Forked Deer River, Tennessee, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 215:69-83.	September 2005
Olsen, R. E., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Vulnerability of lesser snow geese to hunting with electronic calling devices. Journal of Wildlife Management 64:983-993.	December 2000
Olsen, R. E., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Goose hunter opinions concerning proposed management actions to reduce the mid-continent population of lesser snow geese. Wildlife Society Bulletin 27:107-113.	November 1999
Olsen, R. E., R. R. Cox, Jr., A. D. Afton, and C. D. Ankney. 2011. Diet and gut morphology of male mallards during winter in North Dakota. Waterbirds 34:59-69.	March 2011
Nyman, JA, MK La Peyre, A Caldwll, S. Piazza, C Thom and C Winslow. 2009. Defining restoration targets for water depth and salinity in wind-dominated Spartina patens (Ait. ) Muhl. coastal marshes. Journal of Hydrology 376:327-336. \| Download	October 2009
Nyman, J. A., and M. K. La Peyre. 2002. High hopes for marsh terraces as a small scale wetland restoration tool in coastal Louisiana. The Wildlife Society Bulletin. Fall 2002:8-11.	November 2002
Newell, P., S. L. King, and M. Kaller. 2009 Foraging behavior of pileated woodpeckers in partial cut and uncut bottomland hardwood forest. Forest Ecology and Management 258:1456-1464.	September 2009
Newell, P. and S. L. King. 2009. Relative abundance and species richness of Cerambycid beetles in partial cut and uncut bottomland hardwood forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 39 (11):2100-2108.	November 2009
Morris RL, La Peyre MK, Webb BM, Marshall DA, Bilkovic DM, Cebrian J, McClenachan G, Kibler KM, Walters LJ, Bushek D, Sparks EL, Temple NA, Moddy J, Angstadt K, Goff J, Boswell M, Sacks P, Swearer SE. 2021. Large-scale variation in wave attenuation of oyster reef living shorelines and the influence of inundation duration. Ecological Applications. doi:10.1002/eap.2382. \| Abstract	January 2021	One of the paramount goals of oyster reef living shorelines is to achieve sustained and adaptive coastal protection, which requires meeting ecological (i.e., develop a self-sustaining oyster population) and engineering (i.e., provide coastal defence) targets. In a large-scale comparison along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, the efficacy of various designs of oyster reef living shorelines at providing wave attenuation and shoreline stabilization was evaluated. Historical aerial imagery (to quantify shoreline change) combined with on-ground wave attenuation measurements of 15 oyster reef living shorelines, and paired controls, was analyzed. Oyster reef living shorelines varied in age, construction material (oyster shell or pre-cast concrete units), reef dimensions (i.e. length, width, height) and placement (i.e., tidal height, wave exposure, distance from shore) among sites. At six sites oyster reefs showed significantly greater wave attenuation than the paired controls, and the reduction in wave height at those oyster reefs varied between 13 – 55%. The oyster reefs in the other sites were not effective at wave attenuation and substantial continued shoreline erosion was observed. Wave attenuation was greatest at reefs where either (1) the crest height was at or above the water depth; or (2) the reef had a wider footprint. However, some of the tall reefs exceeded the tolerable aerial exposure for oysters (i.e., the amount of time a reef can spend out of the water) and, thus, the peak of such reefs was not suitable oyster habitat. There is, therefore, a trade-off between maximizing coastal protection or oyster habitat when designing an oyster reef living shoreline. Yet our results provide evidence that oyster reefs may be designed to deliver both substantial coastal protection and oyster habitat through further study of the relationship between reef structural attributes (height and width) and oyster habitat suitability. Verification of these observations under storm conditions, which drive erosive events, will be important to inform appropriate design and wider implementation of living shorelines globally.
Morris RL, Bilkovic DM, Boswell MK, Bushek D, Cebrian J, Goff J Kibler KM, La Peyre MK, McClenachan G, Moody J, Sacks P, Shinn JP, Sparks EL, Temple NA, Walters LJ, Webb BM, Swearer BM. 2019. Oysters reefs in shoreline protection: are we over-engineering for an ecosystem engineer? Journal of Applied Ecology. doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.13390	April 2019
McCracken, K. G., J. Hemmings, D. C. Paton, and A. D. Afton. 2004. Capture methods for musk ducks. Wildfowl 54:209-212.	September 2004
McCracken, K. G., J. Harshman, D. A. McClellan, and A. D. Afton. 1999. Data set incongruence and correlated character evolution: an example of functional convergence in the hind-limbs of stifftail diving ducks. Systematic Biology 48:683-714.	November 1999
McCracken, K. G., D. C. Paton, and A. D. Afton. 2002. Advertising displays of male musk ducks indicate population subdivision across the Nullarbor Plain of Australia. Wildfowl 53:137-154.	April 2003
McCracken, K. G., D. C. Paton, and A. D. Afton. 2000. Sexual size dimorphism of the musk duck. Wilson Bulletin 112:457-466	December 2000
McCracken, K. G., A. D. Afton, and M. S. Peters. 2000. Condition bias of hunter-shot ring-necked ducks exposed to lead. Journal of Wildlife Management 64:584-590.	January 2000
McCracken, K. G., A. D. Afton, and D. C. Paton. 2000. Nests and eggs of musk ducks Biziura lobata at Murray Lagoon, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. South Australian Ornithologist 33:65-70.	June 2000
McCoy E, Borrett SR, La Peyre MK, Peterson BJ. 2017. Estimating the impact of oyster restoration scenarios on transient fish production. Restoration Ecology. doi: 10.1111/rec.12498 \| Abstract	January 2017	Oyster reef restoration in coastal systems has recently received increased funding with an implicit desire to enhance oyster density and the ecosystem services they provide. Although oyster restoration has been proven a successful strategy to increase density and biomass of the associated transient fish, predicting and quantifying the effect of oyster restoration on transient fish communities remains a challenge. A bioenergetics model was developed to assess the impact of selected oyster reef restoration scenarios on associated transient fish species. The model was used to analyze the impact of changes in (1) oyster carrying capacity (2) oyster growth rate and (3) diet preference of transient fish on oyster reef development and associated transient fish species. Model results were within expected values and corroborate results from previous field and mesocosm studies. The model highlights the importance of a favorable oyster growth rate during early restoration years, as it can lead to increases in mean oyster biomass and biomass of transient fish species. The model also revealed that a transient fish’s diet solely dependent on oyster reef-derived prey could limit the biomass of transient fish species, emphasizing the importance of habitat connectivity in estuarine areas to enhance transient fish species biomass. Simple bioenergetics models can be developed to understand the dynamics of a system and make qualitative predictions of management and restoration scenarios.
Marshall, DA, La Peyre MK. 2020. Effects of inundation duration on oyster reefs in southeastern Louisiana. Experimental Results. 1, e30, 1-8; doi:10.1017/exp.2020.35. \| Abstract	July 2020	Understanding the effects of predicted rising sea levels, combined with changes in precipitation and freshwater inflow, on key estuarine ecosystem engineers such as the eastern oyster would provide critical information to inform restoration design and predictive models. Using oyster ladders with shell bags placed at three heights to capture a range of inundation levels, oyster growth of naturally recruited spat was monitored over the course of 6 months. Oyster numbers and heights were consistently highest in bottom and mid bags experiencing greater than 50% inundation (mid: 63 ± 7 %; bottom: 95 ± 3 %). Identifying thresholds for optimal oyster growth and survival to enhance restoration engineering would require finer scale evaluation of inundation levels.
Marshall, D.A., Sutor, M., La Peyre, J.F., La Peyre M.K. 2020. Using reproductive potential to assess Louisiana oyster population sustainability. Restoration Ecology doi:10.1111/rec.13225. \| Abstract	July 2020	<b>Abstract</b>Ensuring that oysters remain sustainable in the face of significant coastal restoration activities, high local subsidence rates, and predicted sea level rise requires a deeper understanding of basic population demographics including reproductive potential.We quantified fecundity (eggs ind<sup>-1</sup>) of oysters at high and low salinity sites during a fall and spring spawn season. We assessed the relationships between oyster size, the relative proportion of females across size classes, and fecundity. Finally, we quantified reproductive potential (eggs m<sup>-2</sup>) of an engineered reef by connecting fecundity with annual oyster population demographic data as a means to assess population sustainability.The proportion of females generally increased with shell height, achieving a population with >50% females in Biloxi oysters >75 mm, and Grand Isle oysters >100 mm. Fecundity across both sites and seasons ranged from ~2,000 to >55 million eggs oyster<sup>-1</sup>. Mean fecundity generally increased with shell height, varying significantly by site with Grand Isle (high salinity) oysters having greater fecundity than Biloxi (low salinity) oysters. Fecundity did not differ by season. Mean reproductive potential (eggs m<sup>-2</sup>) was driven by density (i.e., reef type) and size distribution. Reef technologies with high densities and higher counts of market oysters had reproductive potential 5X greater than those with low densities and low counts of juvenile oysters.Synthesis and applications: With increasing changes in water quality from coastal management and climate, impacts on oyster reproduction may critically impact population sustainability. Reproductive potential provides critical data to assess individual reef ecosystem services, and potential for maintenance of local metapopulations.
Marshall, D., M.K. La Peyre, T.A. Palmer, G. Guillou, B.D. Sterba-Boatwright, J. Beseres-Pollack, B. Lebreton. 2021. Freshwater inflow and responses from estuaries across an extensive gradient: an assessment of northwestern Gulf of Mexico estuaries based on stable isotopes. Limnology and Oceanography. doi: 10.1002/lno.11899 \| Abstract	June 2021	Estuaries exist across a large climatic gradient in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, capturing a range of hydrologic conditions and estuarine functioning. We examined freshwater inflow, salinity and stable isotope compositions (δ<sup>13</sup>C, δ<sup>15</sup>N) of oysters, suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM), and surface sediment organic matter (SSOM) from five estuaries across the hydrologic gradient. All five estuaries experienced large decreases in freshwater inflow over the last 40 years, with three estuaries being subject to freshwater inflow reductions of more than 85%. Generally, these freshwater inflow decreases were associated with estuarine salinity increases. Across the spatial gradient, average salinity generally increased from northeast to southwest estuaries. SPOM in the northeastern, lower salinity estuaries generally contained more continental organic matter and was of higher quality (i.e., lower C/chlorophyll <i>a </i>ratio), as compared to southwestern, higher salinity estuaries. Similarly, both SSOM and oyster δ<sup>13</sup>C values were positively correlated with salinity, further highlighting that food webs in lower salinity estuaries are more greatly influenced by continental organic matter than those in higher salinity estuaries. A decrease in the connectivity between continental and coastal habitats may have broad consequences for flows of organic matter, and estuarine function and health. Conducting studies across large-scale hydrologic gradients can provide a useful approach to informing and predicting shifts in estuarine functioning.
Marshall DA, La Peyre MK. 2020 Project and programmatic level assessment of oyster restoration type projects. Extended Abstract. Report to Monitoring and Adaptive Management Trustee Implementation Group. NRDA.	October 2020
Marshall DA, Coxe NC, La Peyre MK, Walton W, Beseres Pollack J, Kelly M, La Peyre JF. 2021. Tolerance of northern Gulf of Mexico eastern oysters to chronic warming at extreme salinities. Journal of Thermal Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j/jtherbio.2021	August 2021
Marshall DA, Casas SM, Walton WC, Rikard FS, Palmer TA, Breaux N, La Peyre MK, Pollack JB, Kelly M, La Peyre JF. 2021. Divergence in salinity tolerance of northern Gulf of Mexico oysters under field and laboratory exposure. Conservation Physiology 9:10.1093/conjphys/coab065. \| Abstract	May 2021	The eastern oyster, <i>Crassostrea virginica,</i> is a key foundation species within U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GoM) estuaries that has experienced substantial population declines. As changes from management and climate are expected to continue to impact estuarine salinity, understanding how local oyster populations might respond, and identifying populations with specific adaptations to more extreme changes in salinity will inform resource management, including restoration, and aquaculture programs. Wild oysters were therefore collected from four estuarine sites from Texas (Packery Channel = PC: 35.5 ± 5.1 annual mean salinity, Aransas Bay = AB: 23.0 ± 6.9) and Louisiana (Calcasieu Lake = CL: 16.2 ± 2.8, Vermilion Bay = VB: 7.4 ± 1.6) and spawned. The progeny were compared in field and laboratory studies under different salinity regimes. For the field study, oysters were deployed at low (6.4 ± 5.1) and moderate (16.5 ± 6.5) salinity sites in Alabama, USA. Growth and mortality were measured monthly. Condition index (CI), dermo infection intensity and shell height to weight ratio were measured quarterly. For the laboratory studies, oysters were exposed to salinities of 2.0, 4.0, 20.0 (or 22.0), 38.0 and 44.0 with and without acclimation and mortality recorded. The results of these field and laboratory studies with (acclimation) indicated that PC oysters are adapted to high salinity conditions, and do not tolerate very low salinities. The AB stock seemed to show the highest plasticity as it performed as well as the PC stock at the high salinities and as well as the Louisiana stocks at the lowest salinity. The Louisiana stocks did not perform as well as at the Texas stocks at high salinities. Different results were obtained with oysters with no salinity acclimation which likely reflects their ability to withstand extended valve closures rather than their adaptability of survival in different salinities.
M. K. La Peyre and T. Birdsong. 2008. Physical variation of non-vegetated marsh edge habitats and nekton habitat use patterns in Barataria Bay, LA, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 356:51-61. \| Download	March 2008
Lowe, M.R., T. Sehlinger, T.M. Soniat and M.K. La Peyre. 2017. Interactive effects of water temperature and salinity on growth and mortality of eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica: a meta-analysis using 40 years of monitoring data. Journal of Shellfish Research 36:1-15. \| Abstract	October 2017	Despite nearly a century of exploitation and scientific study, our understanding of the combined effect of temperature and salinity on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) mortality and growth remains regionally specific at best. In the northern Gulf of Mexico, for example, the complexities of these relationships are assumed from Atlantic estuaries where oysters generally experience cooler water temperatures and greater salinities. Using long-term (1988-2015) monitoring data from Louisiana’s public oyster reefs, we develop regionally specific models of temperature and salinity driven mortality (sack oysters only) and growth for spat (≤ 25 mm), seed (25-75 mm) and sack (> 75 mm) oyster size classes. Our results demonstrate that the optimal combination of temperature and salinity where Louisiana oysters experience reduced mortality and fast growth rates is skewed towards lower salinities and higher water temperatures. Outside of that optimal range, oysters are commonly exposed to combinations of temperature and salinity that are correlated with high mortality and reduced growth. How these combinations affect growth, and to a lesser degree mortality, appears to be size-class dependent. Given current climate predictions for the region and ongoing large-scale restoration activities in coastal Louisiana, our growth and mortality models are a critical step towards ensuring sustainable oyster reefs for long-term harvest and continued delivery of the ecological services in a changing environment.
Llewellyn, C. and M. La Peyre. 2010 Evaluating ecological equivalence of created marshes: comparing structural indicators with stable isotope indicators of blue crab trophic support; Estuaries; DOI 10.1007a/s12237-010-9297-y \| Download	September 2010
Link, P. T., A. D. Afton, R. R. Cox, Jr., and B. E. Davis. 2011. Use of habitats by female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. Waterbirds 34:429-438.	January 2012
Link, P. T., A. D. Afton, R. R. Cox, Jr., and B. E. Davis. 2011. Daily movements of female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. Waterbirds 34:422-428	January 2012
Lichtenberg, J. S., S. L. King, J. B. Grace, and S. C. Walls. 2006. Habitat associations of chorusing anurans in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. Wetlands 26:736-744.	September 2006
Lemon, MGT., Richard F. Keim, Scott T. Allen, Brandon L. Edwards, and Sammy L. King. 2016. Satellite derived temperature for monitoring water status in a floodplain forests of the upper Sabine River, Texas. Southeastern Naturalist 15 (SI9):90-102.	December 2016
Lavaud R., La Peyre MK, Casas S, Bacher C, La Peyre JF. 2017. Integrating the effects of salinity on the physiology of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, in the northern Gulf of Mexico through a Dynamic Energy Budget model. Ecological Modelling 363:221-233. \| Abstract	September 2017	We present a Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model for the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, which enables the inclusion of salinity as a third environmental variable, on top of the standard food and temperature variables. Salinity changes have various effects on the physiology of oysters, potentially altering filtration and respiration rates, and ultimately impacting growth, reproduction and mortality. We tested different hypotheses as to how to include these effects in a DEB model for C. virginica. Specifically, we tested two potential mechanisms to explain changes in oyster shell growth (cm), tissue dry weight (g) and gonad dry weight (g) when salinity moves away from the ideal range: 1) a negative effect on filtration rate and 2) an additional somatic maintenance cost. Comparative simulations of shell growth, dry tissue biomass and dry gonad weight in two monitored sites in coastal Louisiana experiencing salinity from 0 to 28 were statistically analyzed to determine the best hypothesis. Model parameters were estimated through the covariation method, using literature data and a set of specifically designed ecophysiological experiments. The model was validated through independent field studies in estuaries along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Our results suggest that salinity impacts C. virginica’s energy budget predominantly through effects on filtration rate. With an overwhelming number of environmental factors impacting organisms, and increasing exposure to novel and extreme conditions, the mechanistic nature of the DEB model with its ability to incorporate more than the standard food and temperature variables provides a powerful tool to verify hypotheses and predict individual organism performance across a range of conditions.
Lavaud R, La Peyre MK, Justic D, La Peyre JF. 2021. Dynamic Energy Budget modelling to predict eastern oyster growth, reproduction, and mortality under river management and climate change scenarios. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science. \| Abstract	January 2021	Eastern oysters growing in deltaic Louisiana estuaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico must tolerate considerable salinity variation from natural climate variability (e.g., rainfall and stream run-off pushing isohalines offshore; tropical storms pushing isohalines inshore) and man-made diversions and siphons releasing freshwater from the Mississippi River. These salinity variations are predicted to increase with future climate change because of the increased frequency of stronger storms and also in response to proposed large-scale river diversions. Increased Mississippi River flow into coastal estuaries from river diversions, along with potential changes in rainfall and stream run-off from climate change will alter spatial and temporal salinity patterns. In this study we used an individual Dynamic Energy Budget model to predict growth and reproductive potential of eastern oysters across observed and simulated salinity gradients corresponding to different climate and river management scenarios. We used validated model outputs of salinity from a coupled hydrology-hydrodynamic model to assess the current impacts of Davis Pond diversion discharge on oysters located downstream. Under a high diversion discharge scenario oyster growth potential was reduced by 9%, 4%, and 1% in Upper, Mid, and Lower Bay locations, respectively, as compared to a limited discharge year. Reproductive outputs decreased by 34% and 2% in the Upper and Lower Bay locations, respectively, and increased by 2% at the Mid Bay site. In scenarios combining predicted increased temperature with the effect of diversions, all oysters located in the Upper and Mid Bay sites died due to severe summer conditions (high temperatures combined with low salinity). Overall, oysters in down-estuary locations, influenced by both estuarine river management and gulf conditions demonstrated significant tolerance to changing salinity and temperature conditions from diversions alone and when combined with climate change. In contrast, oysters located up-estuary, and exposed to more extreme salinity impacts from river management, demonstrated potentially lethal impacts through direct mortality, and reduced sustainability through decrease in reproductive effort. These predictions at the individual level may translate into less sustainable populations in the most extreme scenarios; restoration and production plans would benefit from accounting for these impacts on reproductive output particularly as decision makers seek to restore critical oyster areas.
Lavaud R, La Peyre MK, Couvillion B, Beseres Pollack J, Brown V, Palmer T, Keim B. Predicting restoration and aquaculture potential of an ecological engineer through an eco-physiological mechanistic model. Ecological Modeling \| Abstract	December 2023	A simple, non-negotiable truth of ensuring success in restoration of ecological engineers (EE) and the functions they support remains the need for the focal species to survive, grow and reproduce. The use of mechanistic modeling, such as a dynamic energy budget (DEB), to map an EE’s fundamental niche provides supports restoration and management predictive of EE resilience under current and future conditions. One EE, the eastern oyster, <i>Crassostrea virginica</i>, provides critical estuarine habitat, and supports a valuable fishery across the northern Gulf of Mexico. Recent declines in oyster populations in this region from human activities, as well as short-term and extreme events have led to significant efforts to restore wild, self-sustaining broodstock reefs, and develop off-bottom aquaculture. To explore potential outcomes for oyster restoration and aquaculture development, we used an individual bioenergetic model based on DEB theory to derive an aquaculture index, based on survival and time to market size, and restoration index, based on survival and reproductive output, across six key Texas and Louisiana estuaries under current (2014–2020) and future predicted environmental conditions (2041–2050). Aquaculture scores using daily averaged current conditions reproduce an observed gradient of oyster growth success increasing from upper estuary to offshore areas, with lower variation in Texas estuaries compared to Louisiana. Restoration scores under daily averaged current conditions showed similar trends with more variability than the aquaculture index due to spawning potential, which is of importance for reef sustainability. In general, Louisiana estuaries showed higher growth rates, and reproduction compared to Texas estuaries, but due to the higher variability and more frequent extremes in salinity and temperature, Louisiana estuaries were more likely to experience mortal conditions any given year, as compared to Texas estuaries. Comparison between current and future conditions indicated that oyster aquaculture and restoration potential in presently occupied areas will possibly decrease in a future climate. However, the spatial resolution of currently available climate model outputs within coastal and estuarine areas limits planning information. This represent a necessary area of improvement to better evaluate the physiological response of EE to future conditions, especially since most aquaculture and restoration developments are likely to occur close to the coastline. Finally, this work demonstrates the potential of mechanistic modeling to inform future planning under environmental conditions likely not currently within the realized niche of EE.
Lavaud R, La Peyre MK et al. 2023. Final Project Report: A roadmap for developing resilient coastal shellfish populations: using spatial and process-based modeling for restoration under current and predicted future water quality conditions. DOI Climate Adaptation Center FInal Report. \| Abstract	August 2024	Our estuaries support valuable recreation, fisheries and aquaculture dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems. Along the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM), estuaries sustain local economies through their high productivity. At the same time, they receive over 50% of the US watershed discharge, and water quality within these estuaries is impacted by local management of rivers, and climate change. Within nGoM estuaries, eastern oysters serve as both critical fisheries, and ecosystem engineers, providing nursery and feeding grounds, and improving water quality. Recent declines in oyster populations from anthropogenic activities and extreme events have led to significant efforts to restore wild, self-sustaining broodstock reefs, and develop aquaculture. In this project we extended a model predicting oyster survival, growth and reproduction across 6 important oyster growing estuaries in Texas and Louisiana. We used this model to provide restoration and aquaculture suitability scores within the coastal waters to help inform managers and the oyster industry. The resulting suitability scores reflect likelihood of oyster survival and reproduction (restoration) and likelihood of oyster growth and survival (aquaculture) under current and future (2041-2050) conditions. Louisiana estuaries showed higher growth rates and reproduction than Texas estuaries, but due to the higher variability and more frequent extremes in salinity and temperature, Louisiana estuaries were more likely to experience mortal conditions. Comparison between current and future conditions indicated that oyster aquaculture and restoration potential in presently occupied areas might decrease in the future; however, the spatial resolution of currently available climate model outputs within coastal and estuarine areas limits planning information. These suitability maps help managers and stakeholders assess the current and future value of specific locations for oyster restoration and aquaculture. This work also identifies the need for improved within-estuary water quality projections and highlights the need to continue to quantify oyster responses to extreme and novel conditions.
Laughban, M. K., S. L. King, and L. H. Fredrickson. 2012. Managing wetlands for wildlife. Pages 95-132 in N. Silvy, ed. The Wildlife Techniques Manual/Management. 7th edition, Vol. 2. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.	April 2012
Laubhan, M. K., S. L. King, and L. H. Fredrickson. 2005. Managing wetlands for wildlife. Pages 797-838 in C. E. Braun, ed. Techniques for Wildlife Investigation and Management. 6th Edition. The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland.	May 2005
Latuso, KD, RF Keim, SL King, DC Weindorf, and RD DeLaune. 2017. Sediment deposition and sources into a Mississippi River floodplain lake; Catahoula Lake, Louisiana. Catena 156:290-297.	September 2017
La Peyre, MK. 2015. Final Summary to the South Central Climate Science Center for Occurrence and variation in submersed aquatic vegetation along the northern Gulf of Mexico: a hierarchical approach to assess impacts of environmental change on SAV resources. 2012-2015.	December 2015
La Peyre, MK, Serra, K., Joyner, A, Humphries. AH. 2015, Assessing shoreline exposure and oyster habitat suitability maximizes potential success for restored oyster reefs. PeerJ 10.7717.peerj.1317. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2015	Oyster reefs provide valuable ecosystem services that contribute to coastal resilience. Unfortunately, many reefs have been degraded or removed completely, and there are increased efforts to restore oysters in many coastal areas. In particular, much attention has recently been given to the restoration of shellfish reefs along eroding shorelines to reduce erosion. Such fringing reef approaches, however, often lack empirical data to identify locations where reefs are most effective in reducing marsh erosion, or fully take into account habitat suitability. Using monitoring data from 5 separate fringing reef projects across coastal Louisiana, we quantify shoreline exposure (fetch + wind direction + wind speed) and reef impacts on shoreline retreat. Our results indicate that fringing oyster reefs have a higher impact on shoreline retreat at higher exposure shorelines. At higher exposures, fringing reefs reduced marsh edge erosion an average of 1.0 m y-1. Using these data, we identify ranges of shoreline exposure values where oyster reefs are most effective at reducing marsh edge erosion and apply this knowledge to a case study within one Louisiana estuary. In Breton Sound estuary, we calculate shoreline exposure at 500 random points and then overlay a habitat suitability index for oysters. This method and the resulting visualization show areas most likely to support sustainable oyster populations as well as significantly reduce shoreline erosion. Our results demonstrate how site selection criteria, which include shoreline exposure and habitat suitability, are critical to ensuring greater positive impacts and longevity of oyster reef restoration projects.
La Peyre, MK, Nix, EA, Laborde, L, Piazza, BP. 2012. Gauging state-level and user group views of oyster ref restoration activities in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Ocean and Coastal Management 67:1-8. \| Publisher Website	April 2012
La Peyre, MK, L. Miller, S. Miller, E. Melancon. 2017. Chapter 18: Comparison of oyster populations, shoreline protection service and site characteristics at seven created fringing oyster reefs in Louisiana: key parameters and responses to consider. In: Bilkovic, DM, M. Mitchell, MK La Peyre, JD Toft. eds. Living shorelines: the science and management of nature-based coastal protection. CRC Press. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.	February 2017
La Peyre, MK, Eberline, BS, Soniat, TS, La Peyre, JL. 2013. Differences in extreme low salinity timing and duration differentially affect eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) recruitment, size class growth and mortality in Breton Sound, LA Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 135:146-157. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2013	Understanding how different life history stages are impacted by extreme or stochastic environmental variation is critical for predicting and modeling organism population dynamics. This project examined recruitment, growth, and mortality of seed (25-75 mm) and market (> 75 mm) sized oysters along a salinity gradient over two years in Breton Sound, LA. In April 2010, management responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in extreme low salinity (< 5) at all sites through August 2010; in 2011, a 100-year flood event resulted in low salinity during springtime. Extended low salinity (< 5) during hot summer months (>250C) significantly and negatively impacted oyster recruitment, survival and growth in 2010, while extended low salinity (< 5) during spring months (< 250C) in 2011 had minimal impacts on oyster growth and mortality. In 2011, recruitment was limited which may be due to a combination of low spring time salinities and the high 2010 market-size mortality and minimal recruitment resulting in limited population of reproductive size oysters in 2011. In both 2010 and 2011, Perkinsus marinus infection prevalence remained low throughout the year at all sites and all infection intensities were light. Oyster plasma osmolality failed to match surrounding low salinity waters in 2010, while oysters appeared to osmoconform throughout 2011 indicating that the high mortality in 2010 may be due to extended valve closing and resulting starvation in response to the extreme low salinities per se, or the combination of low salinity during high temperatures (> 250C). With increasing management of our freshwater inputs to estuaries combined with predicted climate changes, understanding how more extreme events affect different life history stages is key to understanding variation in population demographics of commercially important species and predicting future populations.
La Peyre, MK, B. Gossman and JF La Peyre. Defining optimal freshwater flow for oyster production: effects of freshet rate and magnitude of change and duration on eastern oysters and Perkinsus marinus infection. Ecological Applications	January 2009
La Peyre, MK, A. D. Nickens, G. Tolley, A. Volety and J. F. La Peyre. 2003. Environmental significance of freshets in reducing Perkinsus marinus infection in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica): Potential management applications. Marine Ecology Progress Series 248:165-176.	January 2003
La Peyre, MK and S. Rowe. 2003. Effects of salinity changes on growth of Ruppia maritima L. Aquatic Botany 77(3)0:235-241.	June 2003
La Peyre, MK and J Gordon. 2012. Nekton density patterns and hurricane recovery in submerged aquatic vegetation, and along non-vegetated natural and created edge habitats. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 98:108-118	January 2012
La Peyre, M.K., Marshall, D.A., and Sable, S.E., 2021, Oyster model inventory: Identifying critical data and modeling approaches to support restoration of oyster reefs in coastal U.S. Gulf of Mexico waters: U.S. Geological SurveyOpen-File Report 2021–1063, 40 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211063.	August 2021
La Peyre, M.K., J. Geaghan, G. Decossas, J. F. La Peyre. 2015. Analysis of environmental factors influencing salinity patterns, oyster growth and mortality in lower Breton Sound Estuary, Louisiana using 20 years of data	January 2016
La Peyre, M.K., B. Gossman and B.P. Piazza. 2009. Short and long-term response of deteriorating brackish marshes and open-water ponds to sediment enhancement by thin-layer dredge disposal. Estuaries and Coasts 32:390-402.	March 2009
La Peyre, M.K., A. Humphries, S. Casas, J. La Peyre. 2014. Temporal variation in development of oyster reef functional services. Ecological Engineering 63:34-44. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2014	Restoration ecology relies heavily on ecosystem development theories that generally assume development of fully functioning natural systems over time, but often fail to identify the time-frame required for provision of desired functions, or acknowledge different pathways of functional development. In estuaries, a decline of overall habitat quality and functioning has led to significant efforts to restore critical ecosystem services, recently through the creation and restoration of oyster reefs. Oyster reef restoration generally occurs with goals of (1) increasing water quality via filtration through sustainable oyster recruitment, (2) stabilizing shorelines, and (3) creating and enhancing critical estuarine habitat for fish and invertebrates. We restored over 260 m2 of oyster reef habitat in coastal Louisiana and followed the development and provision of these ecosystem services from 2009 through 2012. Oysters recruited to reefs immediately, with densities of oysters greater than 75 mm exceeding 80 ind m−2 after 3 years, and provision of filtration rates of 1002 ± 187 L h−1 m−2; shoreline stabilization effects of the created reefs were minimal over the three years of monitoring, with some evidence of positive shoreline stabilization during higher wind/energy events only; increased nekton abundance of resident, but not larger transient fish was immediately measurable at the reefs, however, this failed to increase through time. Our results provide critical insights into the development trajectories of ecosystem services provided by restored oyster reefs, as well as the mechanisms mediating these changes. This is critical both ecologically to understand how and where a reef thrives, and for policy and management to guide decision-making related to oyster reef restoration and the crediting and accounting of ecosystem services.
La Peyre, M., S. Casas, W. Gayle and J. La Peyre. 2010. The combined influence of sub-optimal temperature and salinity on the in vitro viability of Perkinsus marinus, a protistan parasite of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology doi:10.1016/j.jip.2010.6.010 \| Download	August 2010
La Peyre, M., S. Casas and J. La Peyre. 2006. Salinity effects on viability, metabolic activity and proliferation of three Perkinsus species. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 71:59-74. (January 2006) \| Download	January 2007
La Peyre, M., Furlong, J., Brown, L.A., Piazza, B.P., Brown, K. 2014. Oyster reef restoration in the northern Gulf of Mexico: extent, methods and outcomes. Ocean and Coastal Management 89:20-28. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2014	Shellfish reef restoration to support ecological services has become more common in recent decades, driven by increasing awareness of the functional decline of shellfish systems. Maximizing restoration benefits and increasing efficiency of shellfish restoration activities would greatly benefit from understanding and measurement of system responses to management activities. This project (1) compiles a database of nGoM inshore artificial oyster reefs created for restoration purposes including critical planning, location and construction data, and (2) quantitatively assesses a subset of reefs to determine project outcomes. From Nueces River, TX to Apalachicola, FL, we documented 260 artificial inshore reefs created for ecological restoration. Information on reef material, reef design and monitoring was located for 93, 43 and 13 % of the reefs identified. Of reefs with available information, 52% were created using rock substrate, and 20% using shell. Project costs and monitoring information were available for very few reefs (< 15% of projects). To quantify restoration success, we used diver surveys to quantitatively sample oyster density and substrate volume of 11 created reefs across the coast (7 with rock; 4 with shell), paired with 7 historic reefs. Total volume of structure (L m-2) and adult oyster densities (ind m-2) were higher on rock reefs than on historic or shell reefs, but spat density was higher on historic reefs, and lowest on shell reefs. Site location, combined with potential material and reef design effects which were often poorly documented, and difficult to discern may contribute to reef outcomes. These data highlight the need to track restoration projects, including information on project design to better inform future activities; explicitly identifying aspects of design, location, and their interaction that influences project outcomes is critical to improving this rate of success. Adaptive management protocols seek specifically to maximize short and long-term restoration success, but are critically dependent on measuring system responses to management activities.
La Peyre, M. K., S. M. Casas, A. Villalba and J. F. La Peyre. 2008. Temperature effects of two Perkinsus species viability, metabolic activity and prliferation, and its significance to understanding seasonal cycles of perkinsosis. Parasitology 135:505-519	April 2008
La Peyre, M. K., Reams, M. A., and Mendelssohn, I. A. 2001. Linking actions to outcomes in wetland management: an overview of state wetland management. Wetlands 21(1):66-74.	September 2001
La Peyre, M. K., M. A. Reams, P. H. Templet, J. B. Grace and I. A. Mendelssohn. 2001. Identifying determinants of nations' wetland management programs using structural equation modeling: an exploratory analysis. Environmental Management 27(6):859-868.	September 2001
La Peyre, M. K., Bush, C. B., C. Winslow, A. Caldwell, J. A. Nyman. 2005. Potential for seed bank recruitment in restored and managed marshes of southwest Louisiana. Southeast Naturalist 4(2):273-286.	July 2005
La Peyre, M. K., B. Gossman and J. A. Nyman. 2007. Assessing functional equivalency of nekton habitat in enhanced habitats: comparison of terraced and unterraced marsh ponds. Estuaries and Coasts 30:526-536.	June 2007
La Peyre, M. K. G., C. Bush Thom, C. Winslow, A. Caldwell, and J. A. Nyman. 2005. Potential seed bank recruitment from restored and managed coastal marshes in southwest Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist 4(2):273-286.	November 2005
La Peyre, M. . K., M. A. Reams and I. A. Mendelssohn. 2000. State wetland protection: a matter of context? Coastal Management. 28:287-302.	September 2001
La Peyre MK, Sable S., Taylor C, Watkins KS, Kiskaddon E, Baustian M. 2021. Effects of sample gear on estuarine fish assemblage assessments and food web models. Ecological Indicators 133:108404 https://doi.org/10.106.j.ecolind.2021.108404. \| Abstract	December 2021	Long-term fisheries-independent sampling data inform population status and trends of species specific biomass and are often used to drive biomass-based food web models such as the Comprehensive Aquatic Systems Model (CASM). Indicators such as total biomass and mean trophic level derived from these data and from CASM outputs inform management and facilitate assessments of on-going and predicted coastal change and restoration activities on fisheries, but rely on consistent sampling to enable comparisons across space and time. Changes in coastal estuarine gradients, combined with the availability of new sampling technologies, highlight a need to assess the potential consequences of changing sampling technologies on fisheries data and the cascading impact on model outputs. In Louisiana, USA, CASM models are used to inform coastal restoration projects, relying on 40 years of fisheries independent data derived from 50’ seine sampling. However, alternative use of electrofishers as a sampling method has been proposed to replace the seine sampling. In this study, we examine data from concurrent seine and electrofisher sampling in Barataria Basin, Louisiana, and compare biomass, assemblage data and CASM outputs related to species biomass, food web structure and energy cycling. In a paired comparison of data in 2018-2019, the electrofisher captured higher total catch and diversity compared to the seine. The electrofisher samples were dominated by shrimp (grass, white, brown) and larger bodied fish, while seine samples were dominated by smaller-bodied fish (i.e., anchovy, menhaden). Ecosystem indicators derived from running the CASM using biomass data from seine and electrofisher sampling separately provide contrasting results. Although initializing the CASM biomasses for key species using seine and electrofisher data to begin the model simulations did not cause large or long-running changes in the simulated biomasses over time, results using the electrofisher biomasses substituted into the original calibrated CASM on day 500 in a different simulation resulted in changes in biomass structure, with a doubling of total food web biomass due to the increased shrimp count, and a 13% increase in total energy flow (TST) through the food web. Conversions based on area and gear efficiency for overall catch may be useful in maintaining the continuity of historical data. However, differences in species-specific catch due to gear selectivity could have large consequences for constructing and calibrating fish and ecosystem models and remain difficult to reconcile. These differences in assemblages, and estimated biomasses for key food web species, suggest careful consideration in changing gears.
La Peyre MK, Marshall DA, Miller LS, Humphries A. 2019. Oyster reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico estuaries support unique fish and decapod crustacean use. Frontiers in Marine Ecology, Special Issue: Gulf of Mexico Reefs, Past, Present and Future v.6:666; doi:103389/fmars.2019.00666 \| Abstract \| Download	October 2019	Essential fish habitat requirements within U.S. fisheries policy requires understanding of species-habitat associations. Recent focus on the restoration of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs derives from their role as ecosystem engineers, including their unique provision of hard bottom habitat for fish and decapod crustaceans. Within the shallow estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico, the eastern oyster is the dominant reef building organism occurring providing unique habitat. This study synthesizes data from the literature on fish and decapod crustacean use of oyster reefs across the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM). Relevant data from twenty four studies were identified, representing data collected from all five U.S. nGoM states over the last 28 years. Cumulatively, these studies document over 120,000 individuals from 106 fish and 41 decapod crustacean species. Densities ranged up to over 2800 ind m-2, with up to 52 unique species identified on a single oyster reef. While these data provide a first step in quantifying oyster reef support of nekton and developing benchmarks for oyster reef restoration, more targeted goals could be identified if habitat characteristics that may be driving the differences between reef assemblages, densities, and species richness could be identified. More explicit reef descriptions (e.g., rugosity, height, area, adjacent habitat) along with standardization of sampling gears and techniques would enable more explicit target setting, and provide clear benchmarks to guide habitat-species based policy goals. Establishing benchmarks of fisheries-habitat associations provides critical support for assessing damages (injury) to resources, provides targets for restoration projects, and overall, provides data to support assessments and predict future reef landscapes.
La Peyre MK, Marshall DA, Buie SCL, Hijuelos A, Steyer GD. 2022. Are we falling short on restoring oysters at a regional scale? Environmental Managementhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-022-01691-y \| Abstract	April 2022	AAcross coastal areas of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the <i>Deepwater Horizon</i> oil spill resulted in significant ecological injury and over 8 billion USD directed to restoration activities. Oyster restoration projects were implemented with regional goals of restoring oyster abundance, spawning stock, and population resilience. Measuring regional or large-scale ecosystem restoration outcomes challenges traditional project-specific monitoring and outcome reporting. We examined the outcomes of oyster restoration at the project-level and discuss potential pathways to measure progress toward region-level goals. An estimated 15 km<sup>2</sup> of oyster habitat was restored across 11 different estuaries with 62 individual reef footprints created, ranging in size from ~ 0.2 to >1.45 km<sup>2</sup>. Individual sites were distributed across the salinity gradient, and all reefs were subtidal. One-year post-restoration, mean total oyster density across all sites was 53.0 ± 60.7 ind m<sup>-2</sup> of which 38.4 ± 42.2 ind m<sup>-2</sup> were adult (> 25 mm shell height) oysters. Recent data available for all sites indicates reduced densities of total oysters (44.6 ± 70.9 ind m<sup>-2</sup>) and adult oysters (14.6 ± 21.6 ind m<sup>-2</sup>). These data provide insight into project specific outcomes, suggesting an overall enhancement in oyster abundance from restoration, but fall short of informing outcomes at the regional level that incorporate cumulative effects on adjacent and connected reef populations, or resiliency of the regional oyster resource. Developing outcome measures that incorporate cumulative and synergistic impacts of individual projects will require reconciliation and consideration of project-level planning and monitoring performance targets with broader spatial and temporal monitoring requirements.
La Peyre MK, Buie SCL, Rossi R, Roberts BJ. 2022. Long-term assessments are critical to determining persistence and shoreline protection from oyster reef nature-based coastal defense. Ecological Engineering https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2022.106603 \| Abstract	March 2022	Nature-based coastal defense using bivalve reefs provide a potentially self-sustaining approach for regions facing high coastal land loss, sea level rise and increasing frequency and intensity of storms. Success of such nature-based coastal defense depends on the reef-building species’ life history, habitat requirements, and ability to thrive through short-term and longer-term environmental variation, yet few projects have reported on outcomes beyond the first few years. In coastal Louisiana, USA, <i>Crassostrea virginica</i> (oyster) is an ecosystem engineer, creating self-sustaining, vertically accreting reefs that also provide ecosystem services. Here, we examine the short (< 3 years) and medium (> 10 years) term outcomes of experimental reefs constructed in 2009 for nature-based coastal defense in a Louisiana estuarine lake. Oyster reef density, demography, along with adjacent salt marsh, and shoreline movement were compared at six fringing shoreline reefs and paired reference sites over the first three years post-construction (2009-2011), and a decade later (2019-2020). Oyster density measured in 2019-2020 (< 60 ind m<sup>-2</sup>) was less than 10% of density measured during 2009-2011 (> 1000 ind m<sup>-2</sup>). This density difference largely reflected a lack of new recruits and small oysters (< 75 mm shell height) in later samples, with adult oyster densities similar between 2011, 2019 and 2020. Lack of smaller oysters in recent sampling likely reflected the impact of multiple extended low salinity events in this region in recent years, including the record-breaking low salinity in 2019. No differences in shoreline characteristics were detected in marsh vegetation, soil properties or nutrient concentrations between reef and reference sites. Similarly, shoreline erosion at both reef and reference sites immediately post-construction, and 10 years later, was high (~1m y<sup>-1</sup>). These findings highlight the need to consider both current and future conditions, including the effect of extreme years, when implementing nature-based coastal defense. On the other hand, the persistence of reproductive-sized oysters on the reef, indicate reef resilience and potential for reef development and shoreline benefits, should better site conditions return in future years. Determining restoration success within variable and dynamic environments requires understanding of responses to short and longer-term environmental variation.<br>
La Peyre MK, Bernasconi SB, Lavaud R, Casas SM, La Peyre JF. 2019. Eastern oyster clearance and respiration rates in response to acute and chronic exposure to suspended sediment loads. Journal of Sea Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2019.101831 \| Abstract	November 2019	Coastal Louisiana supports some of the most productive areas for the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Changing conditions from restoration and climate change alter freshwater and sediment inflows into critical estuarine areas affecting water quality, including salinity and concentrations of suspended sediment. This study examined the effects of acute (1 hour) and chronic (8 weeks) exposure of suspended sediment concentrations on the eastern oyster’s respiration and clearance rates. Acute exposure at six sediment concentrations (0, 10, 50, 200, 500, 1000 mg L-1) and one salinity (15) indicated that sediment concentration significantly affected oyster clearance rates, with increasing clearance rates as suspended sediment concentrations increased up to 500 mg L-1. Respiration rates were not affected by sediment concentration (p = 0.12). Chronic exposure at two salinities (6 and 15) and three sediment concentrations (0, 50, 400 mg L-1) found no significant effect of sediment, salinity or their interaction on clearance rates (p > 0.71). Respiration rate was reduced at higher sediment concentrations (50 and 400 mg L-1 versus 0 mg L-1; p=0.0145) and lower salinity (p<0.0001). As clearance and oxygen consumption rates critically inform oyster energetic models, these data provide valuable insight to more accurately predict eastern oyster population dynamics and inform harvest models in the face of changing estuarine conditions. Changes in rates of growth through altered energetic demands ultimately can impact not just the economic viability of the industry, but also the ability for the populations to maintain sustainable reefs.
LMVJV Forest Resource Conservation Working Group. 2007. Restoration, Management, and Monitoring of Forest Resources in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Recommendations for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat. Edited by R. Wilson, K. Ribbeck, S. King, and D. Twedt.	September 2007
Kroschel, W.A., and S.L. King. 2021. Floodplain forest tree seedling response to variation in flood timing and duration. Forest Ecology and Management 502:119660. . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119660	December 2021
Kroschel, W.A., S.L., King and R. F. Keim.2016. Tree Regeneration in Bottomland Hardwood Forests: A Review. Southeastern Naturalist 15 (SI 9):42-60.	December 2016
King, S.L., and R.F. Keim. 2019. Hydrologic issues challenge bottomland hardwood forest management. Journal of Forestry 117(5):504-514. https://doi-org.libezp.lib.lsu.edu/10.1093/jofore/fvz025	September 2019
King, S.L., W. Selman, P. Vasseur, and S. Zimorski. 2018. Louisiana Non-migratory Whooping Crane Reintroduction. Pages 469-484 in S. Converse, J. French, and F. Chavez, eds. The Whooping Crane. Elsevier	September 2018
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, P. Tashjian, J. Vradenburg, and L.H. Fredrickson. 2021. Wetland conservation: challenges related to water law and farm policy. Wetlands 41:54 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-021-01449-y \| Publisher Website	May 2021
King, S. L., and T. Perkins. 2013. Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to Southwest Louisiana: History, Habitat Conditions, and Initial Reintroduction Efforts. Proceedings of the Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium 4:94-99	December 2013
King, S. L., and T. J. Antrobus. 2005. Gapmaker-Gapfiller Relationships in an Arkansas Floodplain Forest. Journal of Vegetation Science 16:471-480	August 2005
King, S. L., and J. Vradenburg. 2016. Considerations for Wetland Conservation and Management at Momege Nature Reserve.	March 2016
King, S. L., R. R. Sharitz, J. W. Groninger, and L. L. Battaglia. (2009 invited). The ecology, restoration, and management of southeastern floodplain ecosystems: A synthesis. Wetlands 29:624-634	June 2009
King, S. L., R. F. Keim, C. R. Hupp, B. L. Edwards, W. A. Kroschel, E. L. Johnson, and J. W. Cochran. 2016. Evaluation of the effects of hydrologic and geomorphic processes and bottomland hardwood plant communities of the ower White River Basin. U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 2016-1113.	August 2016
King, S. L., R. F. Keim, C. R. Hupp, B. L. Edwards, W. A. Kroschel, E. L. Johnson, and J. W. Cochran. 2016. Altered hydrologic and geomorphic processes and bottomland hardwood plant communities of the lower White River Basin. USGS Open File Report 2016-1113. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161113	July 2016
King, S. L., L. L. Battaglia, C. R. Hupp, R. F. Keim, and B. G. Lockaby. 2012. Floodplain wetlands of the southeastern coastal plain. Wetland habitats of North America: ecology and conservation concerns. Pages 253-266 in D. Batzer and A. H. Baldwin, eds. University of California Press, Berkeley.	May 2012
King, S. L., J. P. Shepard, K. Ouchley, J. A. Neal, and K. Ouchley. 2005. Bottomland hardwood forests: past, present, and future. Pages 1-17 in L. H. Fredrickson, S. L. King, and R. M. Kaminski, eds. Ecology and management of bottomland hardwood systems: the state of our understanding. University of Missouri-Columbia. Gaylord Memorial Laboratory Special Publication No. 10. Puxico, MO.	August 2005
King, S. L., D. J. Twedt, and R. Wilson. 2006 (invited). The Role of the Wetland Reserve Program in Conservation Efforts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34(4):914-920.	December 2006
King, S. L., C. S. Elphick, D. Guadagnin, and O. Taft. 2010 (invited). Effects of landscape features on waterbird use of rice fields. Waterbirds 33 (Special Publication 1):151-159.	October 2010
King, S. L., A. R. Pierce, K. Hersey, and N. Winstead. 2011. Migration patterns and movements of sandhill cranes wintering in central and southwestern Louisiana, USA. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop, Dells, Wisconsin. 11:57-61.	October 2010
King, S. L. 2013. Watershed planning in eastern Russia. International Crane Foundation Bugle.	October 2013
King, S. L. 2013. Climate change, cranes, and temperate floodplain ecoysystems. Pages 28-34 in J. H. Harris, ed. Proceedings of the 2010 International Crane Workshop, Muraviovoka Park, Russia.	October 2012
Keim, R.F., L. Dugue, K.D. Latuso, S. Joshi, S.L. King, and F.L. Willis. 2022. Influences of floodplain modification on expansion of woody vegetation into Catahoula Lake, Louisiana, USA. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5328	January 2022
Keim, R.., S. L. King, D. Scott, and F. M. Wilhelm (authors alphabetical). 2019. Klamath Trip Report. Results of May 2019 Technical Assistance Visit to Lower Klamath Lake.	July 2019
Kanouse, S., M. K. La Peyre and J. A. Nyman. 2006. Nekton use of submerged aquatic vegetation and nonvegetated bottom microhabitats within brackish marsh ponds. Marine Ecology Progress Series 327:61-69	December 2006
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2014. Suitability of Coastal Marshes as Whooping Crane Foraging Habitat in Southwest Louisiana, USA. Waterbirds 37 (3):254-263.	August 2014
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2013. Influence of Hydrologic Connectivity on Pond Environmental Characteristics in a Coastal Marsh System. Southeastern Naturalist 12:568-578.	September 2013
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2013. Effects of hydrologic connectivity and environmental variables on nekton assemblage in a coastal marsh system.Wetlands 33:321-334.	April 2013
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2013. Effects of Hydrologic Connectivity and Environmental Variables on Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Different Marsh Types. Aquatic Biology 18:149-160.	January 2013
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2012. Influence of salinity and prey presence on the survival of aquatic macroinvertebrates of a freshwater marsh. Aquatic Ecology (http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s10452-012-9410-3)	August 2012
Kang, S. R. and S. L. King. 2013 (May 7). Seasonal Comparison of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in a Flooded Coastal Freshwater Marsh. Open Journal of Ecology DOI: 10.4236/oje.2013.32014	May 2013
Kang, S. R. and S. L. King. 2013. Seasonal nekton assemblages in a flooded coastal freshwater marsh, Southwest Louisiana, USA. Open Journal of Ecology 116-121. DOI: 10.4236/oje.2013.32014	April 2013
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Time budgets of snow geese Chen caerulescens and Ross's geese C. rossi in mixed flocks: implications of body size, ambient temperature and family associations. Ibis 151:134-144.	January 2009
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Lesser snow geese and Ross's geese form mixed flocks during winter but differ in family maintenance and social status. Journal of Wilson Ornithology 120:725-731.	December 2008
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Different time and energy budgets of lesser snow geese in rice-prairies and coastal marshes in southwest Louisiana. Waterbirds 29:451-458.	April 2007
Jonsson, J. E., A. D. Afton, and R. T. Alisauskas. 2007. Does body size influence nest attendance? A comparison of Ross?s geese (Chen rossii) and the larger, sympatric lesser snow geese (C. caerulescens caerulescens). Journal of Ornithology 148:549-555.	July 2007
Jonsson, J. E., A. D. Afton, R. T. Alisauskas, C. K. Bluhm, and M. E. El Halawani. 2006. Ecological and physiological factors affecting brood patch area and prolactin levels in arctic-nesting geese. Auk 123:405-418.	May 2006
Jonsson, J. E., A. D. Afton, D. G. Homberger, W. G. Henk, and R. T. Alisauskas. 2006. Do geese fully develop brood patches? A histological analysis of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) and Ross's geese (C. rossii). Journal of Comparative Physiology B. 176:453-462.	June 2006
Johnston, J.B., D.R. Cahoon and M.K. La Peyre. 2009. Outer continental shelf (OCS)-related pipelines and navigation canals in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico: Relative impacts on wetland habitats and effectiveness of mitigation. U.S. Dept of the INterior,Minerals Managemetn SErvice, BUlf of MExico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA. OCS Study MMS 2009-048. 200 p.	October 2009
Ilyashenko, E., and S. L. King. 2018. Crane responses to changes in agriculture. Pages 55 to 71 in J.E. Austin, K.L. Morrison, and J.T. Harris, eds. Cranes and Agriculture: a global guide to sharing the landscape. International Crane Foundation.	October 2018
Humphries, E. M., J. L. Peters, J. E. Jonsson, R. Stone, A. D. Afton, and K. E. Omland. 2009. Genetic differentiation between sympatric and allopatric wintering populations of snow geese. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 121:730-738.	December 2009
Humphries, AT, MK La Peyre, ME Kimball, LP Rozas. 2011. Testing the effect of habitat structure and complexity on nekton assemblages using experimental oyster reefs. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. doi: 10.1016/j.jembe.2011.08.017 \| Download	August 2011
Humphries, AT, MK La Peyre, GA Decossas. 2011. Effect of structural complexity, prey density, and predator-free space on prey survivoship at created oyster reef mesocosms. PLOSOne: 6(12):e28339.	December 2011
Humphries AT, La Peyre MK. 2016. Oyster reef restoration supports increased biomass and potential commercial fishery value. PeerJ 3:e1111; DOI 10.7717/peerj.1111 \| Download	October 2016
Humphries A, Josephs L, La Peyre M, Hall S, Dowty Beech, R. 2019. Vulnerability of resource users in Louisiana's oyster fishery to environmental change. Ecology and Society 24:37: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES11101-240337 \| Abstract	September 2019	Knowledge of vulnerability provides the foundation for developing actions that minimize impacts on people while maximizing the sustainability of ecosystem goods and services. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important to determine how resource-dependent people are vulnerable to environmental change. This is particularly true in coastal Louisiana where the current era of rapid land loss has the potential to undermine oyster-associated livelihoods. Yet, little is known about how such changes might differentially impact resource-users. We examined social components of vulnerability to environmental change using indicators of sensitivity and adaptive capacity within the oyster fishery of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Specifically, we used semi-structured interviews to compare three resource-user roles: oyster fishers, oyster fishers/lease owners, and oyster lease owners only. Results indicated that oyster fishers/lease owners were highly dependent and thus sensitive to changes in the environmental conditions of the fishery due to high levels of occupational identity. The same people, however, were the most adaptable to change, which was reflected in their willingness to learn about new practices and evolve over time. In other words, higher sensitivity was offset by an increased ability to adapt, cope, and respond to changes in the environment. In contrast to these findings, oyster fishers that did not own any portion of a lease or business in which they operated were bad at coping with change and frequently held negative or fatalistic views on financial planning. These attributes made them the most vulnerable to environmental change. Overall, the most vulnerable participants in the Terrebonne Parish oyster fishery were those with low to moderate levels of personal and financial buffers and trust, coupled with high occupational identity and a low motivation to change. Policy actions that target these attributes are likely to be the
Honig, A, M La Peyre, J. Supan. 2014. Seasonal gametogenesis of the ribbed mussel, Geukensia Granossissima, in southeastern Louisiana. Sexuality and Early Development in Aquatic Organisms 1:75-82. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2014	Benthic intertidal bivalves play an essential role in estuarine ecosystems by contributing to habitat provision, water filtration, and host vegetation productivity. As such, ecosystem level changes that impact population distributions and persistence of local bivalve populations may have large ecosystem level consequences, making it important to better understand the population ecology of native bivalves. In order to determine potential impacts of shifting salinity and temperature regimes along the northern Gulf of Mexico, the seasonal timing of gametogenesis in the Gulf estuarine ribbed mussel, Geukensia granossisima, was examined across a salinity gradient in southeastern Louisiana, from July 2011 through October 2012. Ten mussels were randomly sampled monthly from low (~ 5) and high (~25) salinity marsh sites in southeastern Louisiana, and histologically processed to determine the seasonal progression of gametogenesis. Peak ripeness occurred at both sites between April and September, was positively correlated with temperature, and coincided with seasonal shifts in salinity. Mussels located in lower salinity waters demonstrated a shorter period of gametogenesis, and lower rates of ripeness indicating that changes in salinity regimes may impact long-term population dynamics.
Honig, A, J. Supan, M. La Peyre. 2015. Population ecology of the gulf ribbed mussel across a salinity gradient: recruitment, growth and density within a Louisiana estuary. Ecosphere 6:1-13. \| Abstract	November 2015	Benthic intertidal bivalves play an essential role in estuarine ecosystems by contributing to habitat provision, water filtration, and promoting productivity. As such, changes that impact population distributions and persistence of local bivalve populations may have large ecosystem level consequences. Recruitment, growth, mortality, population size structure and density of the gulf coast ribbed mussel, Geukensia granosissima, were examined across a salinity gradient in southeastern Louisiana. Data were collected along 100-m transects at interior and edge marsh plots located at duplicate sites in upper (salinity ~4), central (salinity ~8) and lower (salinity ~15) Barataria Bay, Louisiana, U.S.A. Growth, mortality and recruitment were measured in established plots from April through November 2012. Mussel densities were greatest within the middle bay (salinity ~8) regardless of flooding regime, but strongly associated with highest stem densities of Juncus roemerianus vegetation. Mussel recruitment, growth, size and survival were significantly higher at mid and high salinity marsh edge sites as compared to all interior marsh and low salinity sites. The observed patterns of density, growth and mortality in Barataria Bay may reflect detrital food resource availability, host vegetation community distribution along the salinity gradient, salinity tolerance of the mussel, and reduced predation at higher salinity edge sites.
Hollweg, T.A., K. Sauby, M.C. Christman, J. Cebrian, and M. La Peyre. 2019. Understanding Nekton Use of Shallow Estuarine Habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Guidebook for Resource Managers and Restoration Practitioners. Abt Associates, Boulder, CO. June. https://www.abtassociates.com/files/insights/reports/2020/2020.01.23.goma_nekton_guidebook_low_res.pdf	March 2020
Hillmann, ER, Rivera-Monroy, VH, Nyman, JA La Peyre MK. 2020. Estuarine submerged aquatic vegetation habitat provides organic carbon storage across a shifting landscape Science of the Total Environment 717:137217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137217 \| Abstract	January 2020	Within estuaries, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) thrives across the salinity gradient providing valuable ecosystem services. Within the saline portion of estuaries, seagrass areas are frequently cited as hotspots for their role in capturing and retaining organic carbon (C<sub>org</sub>); non-seagrass SAV, located in the fresh to brackish estuarine areas, may also retain significant soil C<sub>org</sub>, yet their role remains unquantified. Given rapidly occurring landscape and salinity changes, landscape level carbon pool estimates would benefit from estuarine SAV habitat blue carbon estimates. We assessed C<sub>org</sub> stocks in SAV habitats from estuarine freshwater to saline habitats (interior deltaic) to saline barrier islands (Chandeleur Island) within the Mississippi River Delta Plain (MRDP), Louisiana, USA. SAV habitats contain C<sub>org</sub> stocks (56-231 Mg C<sub>org</sub> ha<sup>-1</sup>) equivalent to those reported for other estuarine vegetation types (seagrass, salt marsh, mangrove). Interior deltaic SAV C<sub>org</sub> stocks (231.6 ± 19.5 Mg C<sub>org </sub>ha<sup>-1</sup>) were similar across the salinity gradient, and significantly higher than at barrier island sites (56.6 ± 10.4 Mg C<sub>org</sub> ha<sup>-1</sup>). Within the MRDP, shallow water SAV habitat covers up to an estimated 26, 500 ha, indicating that soil C<sub>org</sub> storage is potentially 6.1 ± 0.1 Tg representing an unaccounted C<sub>org</sub> pool. Extrapolated across Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico, this represents a major soil C<sub>org </sub>storage.
Hillmann, ER, DeMarco KD, La Peyre MK. 2019 Salinity and season dictate submerged aquatic vegetation variability in Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA. Aquatic Biology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00719 \| Abstract	September 2019	Spatial and temporal variability characterize submerged macrophyte (SAV) assemblages, but understanding the complex interactions of environmental drivers of SAV assemblages remains elusive. We documented SAV composition and biomass across a salinity gradient in a coastal estuary over 12 months. Ten species were identified. The dominant species, Ceratophylum demersum and Myriophylum spicatum, accounted for over 40% of total biomass. Only Ruppia maritima occurred across the salinity gradient. Salinity, water depth and clarity delineated three assemblages, a saline assemblage, and separated fresher species into two groups, one associated with deeper water and lower water clarity and the other associated with shallow water and /higher water clarity. These assemblages exhibited intra-annual variation with at least five times more biomass in late spring/mid-summer compared to early winter. This pattern was consistent across the estuary, however the difference between peak and low biomass varied by habitat type; brackish exhibited the greatest magnitude. This variation is likely due to higher variation in salinity, and the species composition of this habitat. As climate change and coastal restoration impact timing and range of salinity, water depth and clarity in this region, these data can be used to help inform predictive models, and management decisions.
Hillmann, E., K.E. DeMarco and M La Peyre. 2016. Establishing a baseline of estuarine submerged aquatic vegetation resources across salinity zones within coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 3:25-32. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	August 2016	Coastal ecosystems are dynamic and productive but vulnerable to changes associated with global climate change. Despite their limited areal extent, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) exists in coastal ecosystems as foundation species and performs important ecological functions including provision of habitat and food resources. However, limited understanding of factors controlling SAV distribution and abundance within the extensive fresh to saline coastal habitats along the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM) restricts the ability of models to accurately predict resource availability. We sampled 384 potential coastal SAV sites across the nGoM in 2013 and 2014, and examined community and species-specific SAV distribution and biomass in relation to year, salinity, turbidity and water depth. After two years of sampling, 14 species of SAV were documented, with three species (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Ruppia maritima) accounting for 54% of above-ground biomass collected. Total aboveground SAV biomass was higher in fresher habitats as compared to saline habitats and salinity and water depth were dominant drivers of species assemblages. Changes in salinity and water depths predicted by climate change models for the northern Gulf of Mexico coast will likely alter SAV production and species assemblages; these changes may affect habitat and food resources for dependent faunal species. Understanding the environmental drivers that influence SAV distribution across salinity zones will ultimately enable more accurate predictive modeling and management of SAV resources under different scenarios of restoration and climate change.
Hillmann ER, La Peyre MK. 2019. Effects of salinity and light on growth and interspecific interactions between Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Ruppia maritima L. Aquatic Botany 28:175-186. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00719 \| Download	October 2019
Hamilton, S., S.L. King, G. Dello Russo, and M. Kaller. 2019. Effect of hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetative conditions on avian communities in the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico. Wetlands 39:1029-1042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-019-01156-9	May 2019
Gurney, K. E. B., R. G. Clark, S. M. Slattery, N. V. Smith-Downey, J. Walker, L. M. Armstrong, S. E. Stephens, M. Petrula, R. M. Corcoran, K. H. Martin, K. A. DeGroot, R. W. Brook, A. D. Afton, K. Cutting, J. M. Warren, M. Fournier, and D. N. Koons. 2011. Time constraints in temperate-breeding species: influence of growing season length on reproductive strategies. Ecography 34:628-636.	August 2011
Guay, P.-J., R. T. Chesser, R. A. Mulder, A. D. Afton, D. C. Paton, and K. G. McCracken. 2010. East-west genetic differentiation in musk ducks (Bizura lobata) of Australia suggests late Pleistocene divergence at the Nullarbor Plain. Conservation Genetics 11:2105-2120.	December 2010
Greiner La Peyre, M. K., J. B. Grace, E. Hahn and I. A. Mendelssohn. 2001. The importance of competition in regulating species abundance along a salinity gradient. Ecology. 82(1):62-69.	September 2001
Gloutney, M. L., R. T. Alisauskas, K. A. Hobson, and A. D. Afton. 1999. Use of supplemental food by breeding Ross's and lesser snow geese: evidence for variable anorexia. Auk 116:97-108.	November 1999
Gloutney, M. L., R. T. Alisauskas, A. D. Afton, and S. M. Slattery. 2001. Foraging time and dietary intake by breeding Ross's and lesser snow geese. Oecologia 127:78-86.	January 2001
Gee, H.K.W., S. L. King, and R. Keim. 2015. Influence of Hydrologic Modifications on Fraxinus pennsylvanica in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, USA. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 45:1397-1406.	October 2015
Gee, H.K.W., S. L. King, and R. F. Keim. 2014. Stand development of a leveed floodplain forest in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 334:85-95. 334:85-95.	December 2014
Gagnon, P., L. Battaglia, B. Hanberry, W. Conner, and S.L. King. 2021. Chapter 6. Fire in floodplain forests of the southeastern United States. Pages 201-242 In: B Collins and C.H. Greenberg, eds. Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems. Vol. 39. Springer/Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73267-7_6	June 2021
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Composition of breeding bird communities in Gulf Coast Chenier Plain marshes: effects of winter burning. Southeastern Naturalist 3:173-185.	April 2004
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Plant community composition and biomass in Gulf Coast Chenier Plain marshes: responses to winter burning and structural marsh management. Environmental Management 27:281-293.	February 2001
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Effects of winter marsh burning on abundance and nesting activity of Louisiana Seaside Sparrows in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Wilson Bulletin 112:365-372.	January 2000
Gabrey, S. W., B. C. Wilson, and A. D. Afton. 2002. Success of artificial bird nests in burned Gulf Coast Chenier Plain marshes. Southwestern Naturalist 47:532-538.	January 2003
Gabrey, S. W., A. D. Afton, and B. C. Wilson. 2001. Effects of structural marsh management and winter burning on plant and bird communities during summer in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:218-231.	March 2001
Gabrey, S. W., A. D. Afton, and B. C. Wilson. 1999. Effects of winter burning and structural marsh management on vegetation and winter bird abundance in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain, USA. Wetlands 19:594-606.	November 1999
Fredrickson, L. H., S. L. King, and R. M. Kaminski, eds. 2005. Ecology and management of bottomland hardwood systems: the state of our understanding. University of Missouri-Columbia. Gaylord Memorial Laboratory Special Publication No. 10. Puxico, MO.	August 2005
Fowler, D. N. S.L. King, and D. C. Weindorf. 2014. Evaluating Abiotic Influences on Soil Salinity of Inland Managed Wetlands and Agricultural Croplands in a Semi-Arid Environment. Wetlands 34:1229-1239.	June 2014
Fowler, D,N, Winiarksi, J,M, Pollentier, C,D, and R.C. Gatti. 2023. The influence of landscape composition and configuration on breeding pair abundance of blue-winged teal and mallards in Wisconsin. Wildlife Society Bulletin. \| Abstract	January 2024	Habitat loss and fragmentation have negatively impacted breeding birds at large. Across guilds, grassland-dependent birds have experienced the largest proportional loss of their breeding population while wetland-dependent birds have realized overall net gains in part because of focused conservation efforts. However, some species even within the wetland-dependent guild have a strong dependence on non-wetland land cover types during the annual cycle and therefore may be equally sensitive to landscape reductions in the composition and altered configuration of upland landcover, such as grasslands. We explored the influence of land cover composition and configuration on the number of breeding pairs of a breeding habitat generalist, the mallard (<i>Anas platyrhynchos</i>) and a grassland-dependent breeding species, the blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>) in agriculturally intensive landscapes of Wisconsin, USA, to inform management actions that seek to improve breeding waterfowl habitat. Because of the extensive landscape alteration and habitat fragmentation that has occurred, we expected mallards to have a more utilitarian response to varying landscape composition compared to a grassland nesting obligate like blue-winged teal. We used helicopter surveys conducted across 8 years (2001–2003, 2006–2009, and 2012) and remotely sensed land cover data to investigate the influence of habitat associations on relative breeding pair abundance. Model selection indicated that landscape composition models outperformed landscape configuration and null models for both species. Consistent with our predictions, we found that mallard pair counts were positively influenced by a greater number of land cover covariates compared to blue-winged teal. Both blue-winged teal and mallard breeding pairs were positively related to increased composition of emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands as well as upland grassland. Additionally, we found that mallard pairs were positively related to forested, cattail (<i>Typha </i>sp.), and open water wetland types, whereas predicted blue-winged teal pair abundance was negatively related to forested wetlands and had a non-linear relationship and declined when surveyed land sections were comprised of more than 30% cattail-dominated wetlands and 20% open-water wetlands. Increased quantities of cattail-dominated and open-water wetland cover types comparatively provide less habitat for blue-winged teal and may reflect broader shifts in habitat composition that have likely resulted from agricultural intensification and stabilized hydrology. Conservation activities that preserve existing nesting land cover types or restore hydrologically dynamic emergent wetlands in proximity to upland grassland cover could mutually benefit both species.
Fournier, A.M.V, A.R. Sullivan, J.K. Bump, M. Perkins, M.C. Shieldcastle, and S.L. King. 2016. Combining citizen science derived species distribution models and stable isotope analysis reveals migratory connectivity in a secretive species, the Virginia rail (Rallus limicola). Journal of Applied Ecology 54(2):618-627.	June 2016
Faulkner, S. P., J. L. Chambers, W. H. Conner, R. F. Keim, J. W. Day, E. S. Gardiner, M. S. Hughes, S. L. King, K. W. McLeod, C. A. Miller, J. A. Nyman, and G. P. Shaffer. 2007. Conservation and Use of Coastal Wetland Forests in Louisiana. Pages 447-460 in Conner, W. H., T. W. Doyle, and K. W. Krauss, eds. Ecology of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands of the Southeastern United States. Springer, The Netherlands.	December 2007
Esler, D., J. B. Grand, and A. D. Afton. 2001. Intraspecific variation in nutrient reserve use during clutch formation by female lesser scaup. Condor 103:810-820	December 2001
Edwards, B.L., R. F. Keim, E. L. Johnson, C. R. Hupp, S. Marre, and S. L. King. 2016. Geomorphic adjustment to hydrologic modifications along a meandering river: implications for surface flooding on a floodplain. Geomorphology 269:149-159.	September 2016
Durham, R. S., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Breeding biology of mottled ducks on agricultural lands in southwestern Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist 5:311-316.	November 2006
Durham, R. S., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Nest-site selection and success of mottled ducks on agricultural lands in southwest Louisiana. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31:433-442.	July 2003
Dunn, P. O., A. D. Afton, M. L. Gloutney and R. T. Alisauskas. 1999. Forced copulation results in few extrapair fertilizations in Ross's and lesser snow geese. Animal Behaviour 57:1071-1081.	November 1999
Donnelly, JP, SL King, NL Silverman, DP Collins, EM Carrera-Gonzales, A Lafon-Terrazas, and JN Moore. 2020. Climate and human water use diminish wetland networks supporting continental waterbird migration. Submitted to Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15010	January 2020
DeMarco, K, E. Hillmann, M. Brasher, M. La Peyre. 2016. Brackish marsh zones as a waterfowl habitat resource in submerged aquatic vegetation beds in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 3:261-269. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	March 2016	Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds are prevalent in shallow coastal habitats that are increasingly exposed to sea-level rise (SLR) effects. In the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM), an area particularly vulnerable to SLR, the abundance and distribution of SAV food resources (seeds, rhizomes and tissue) can influence the carrying capacity of coastal marshes for waterfowl. Despite the documented importance of SAV within coastal ecosystems, and specifically to waterfowl, little is known about their distribution across coastal landscapes and salinity zones, or the potential impacts of SLR. We estimated SAV cover and seed biomass in coastal marshes from Texas to Alabama in summer 2013 to assess variation in SAV and seed resource distribution and abundance across the coastal salinity gradient. Coast-wide, SAV percent cover was similar between all salinity zones (10-20%) however patterns of distribution differed between salinity zones. Specifically, saline sites were characterized by fewer sites with SAV, but sites with SAV had greater percent cover as compared to fresh, intermediate and brackish zones. Coast-wide means for seed biomass were highly variable, and not significantly different across salinity zones although waterfowl forage availability was lowest in saline zones (<0.5 g m-2) as compared to fresh, intermediate and brackish zones (>1.2 g m-2). As local SLR models predict altered coastal marsh types are likely along the nGoM, these findings suggest concurrent changes in spatial distribution and abundance of SAV and seed resources. If trends identified here are persistent across the coast, SAV resources available for waterfowl may be similar among fresh, intermediate and brackish marsh types.
DeMarco K, Hillman E, Couvillion B, Nyman JA, La Peyre MK. 2021.Defining aquatic habitat zones across northern Gulf of Mexico estuarine gradients through submerged aquatic vegetation species assemblage and biomass data \| Abstract	September 2021	Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) creates highly productive habitats in coastal areas, providing support for many important species of fish and wildlife. Despite the importance and documented loss of SAV globally, we lack consistent baseline data on SAV resources across the estuarine gradient, particularly in northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) estuaries. To understand SAV distribution in the NGOM, SAV biomass and species identity were collected at 384 sites inter-annually (Jun-Sept; 2013-2015) from Mobile Bay, Alabama to San Antonio Bay, Texas, USA. Coast-wide, SAV distribution and biomass were consistent across years, covering an estimated 87 000 ha, and supporting approximately 15.5 ± 8.3% total cover with an average biomass of 24.5 ± 1.9 g m<sup>-2</sup>. Differences in hydrology (i.e., precipitation, freshwater input, water depth) and exposure (i.e., wave and wind energy) manifested in unique SAV assemblages and biomass distributions across the regional (i.e., Coastal Mississippi-Alabama, Mississippi River Coastal Wetlands, Chenier Plain, Texas Mid-Coast) and estuarine gradient (i.e., marsh zones defined as fresh, intermediate, brackish, saline). Mediod SAV species were associated with combined salinity, turbidity, and depth conditions unique to different region and marsh zone combinations in the NGOM. While the presence of SAV is often used as an indicator of ecological health, identifying mediod species in aquatic habitats can also be applied to describe estuarine conditions in more detail, and develop aquatic habitat zones. Exploration and use of this type of field data could be developed as means to track, manage, and define aquatic habitats across regional and estuarine gradients. Identifying aquatic zones through a representative mediod associates SAV species with locations defined by both long-term salinity and as well as salinity variability, water depth, and exposure and is a powerful potential tool for managers and restoration decision-makers.
De Marco, KD, Couvillion, B, Brown S., La Peyre, MK. 2018. Submerged aquatic vegetation mapping in coastal Louisiana through development of a spatial likelihood occurrence (SLOO) model. Aquatic Botany 151:87-97.	September 2018
Davis, B. E., and A. D. Afton. 2010. Movement distances and habitat switching by female mallards wintering in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Waterbirds 33:349-356.	September 2010
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2009. Habitat use of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Journal of Wildlife Management 73:701-709	July 2009
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, R. R. Cox, Jr. 2011. Factors affecting winter survival of female mallards in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Waterbirds 34:186-194.	June 2011
Custer, C. M., T. W. Custer, M. J. Anteau, A. D. Afton, and D. E. Wooten. 2003. Trace elements in lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) from the Mississippi Flyway. Ecotoxicology 12:47-54.	April 2003
Coxe N, Mize G, Casas S, La Peyre MK, Lavaud R, Callam B, Rikard S, JF La Peyre. 2023. Hypoxia and anoxia tolerance in diploid and triploid eastern oysters at high temperature. Journal of Shellfish Research	January 2023
Coxe N, Casas SM, Marshall DA, La Peyre MK, Kelly MW, Pollack J, La Peyre JF. 2023 Differential hypoxia tolerance of eastern oysters from the northern Gulf of Mexico at elevated temperature. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 559:151840. \| Abstract	January 2023	Increasing prevalence of hypoxia in shallow waters of US Gulf of Mexico (GoM) estuaries can pose a serious threat to eastern oysters (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>). Their tolerance to hypoxia, however, is not well characterized, especially at elevated temperature (>30°C) typical of GoM estuaries in summer. Moreover, it is unknown whether differences in hypoxia tolerance exist between GoM oyster populations growing in estuaries differing in local environmental conditions. Wild oyster broodstocks were collected from four estuarine sites in Texas (Packery Channel, PC and Aransas Bay, AB) and Louisiana (Calcasieu Lake, CL and Vermilion Bay, VB) and their adult progenies (F1) were tested (Study 1) under continuous hypoxia (< 2.0 mg O<sub>2</sub> L<sup>-1</sup>) at 32<sup>°</sup>C. Significant differences in hypoxia tolerance were found between F1 populations with calculated median lethal time (LT<sub>50</sub>) ranging from 3.9 to 12.5 days. PC and CL oysters were the most and least tolerant populations, respectively. The study was repeated twice more (Studies 2 and 3) using PC and CL oysters, and their responses at the organismic, cellular, and biochemical levels were investigated. Valve movement was monitored, and oysters were sampled to measure hemocyte density, plasma protein, calcium and glutathione concentrations, and digestive gland alanine and succinate concentrations after either 3-5 days (Study 2) or 1-3 days (Study 3) of hypoxia exposure. From the onset of hypoxia until their death, oysters stayed opened 13-32% of the time compared to 53-64% under normoxia, but no differences between populations were detected under hypoxia. PC oyster but not CL oyster plasma glutathione concentrations increased significantly in both studies. Under longer (3-5 days) hypoxia exposure, plasma calcium and glutathione concentrations of PC oysters were significantly higher than CL oysters. These results suggest PC oysters were better able to protect tissues against acidosis and oxidative damage during hypoxia and high temperature stress than CL oysters. Overall, our results suggest that oyster populations originating from the GoM respond differently to hypoxia and high temperature stress and possess differential tolerance.
Cox, R. R., Jr., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Predictable interregional movements by female northern pintails during winter. Waterbirds 23:258-269.	January 2000
Cox, R. R., Jr., and A. D. Afton. 1998. Use of mini-refuges by female northern pintails wintering in southwestern Louisiana. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:130-137.	March 1998
Cox, R. R., Jr., and A. D. Afton. 1998. Effects of capture and handling on survival of female northern pintails. Journal of Field Ornithology 69:276-287	June 1998
Cox, R. R., Jr., A. D. Afton, and R. M. Pace, III. 1998. Survival of female northern pintails wintering in southwestern Louisiana. Journal of Wildlife Management 62:1512-1521.	November 1998
Cox, Jr., R. R., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Do mini-refuges supply wintering northern pintails with important diurnal roost sites? Response to Rave. Wildlife Society Bulletin 27:901-903.	November 1999
Cochran, W., R. F. Keim, S. L. King, L.L.Battaglia, and F. L. Willis. 2013. Hydrologic Changes and Floodplain Forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Proceedings of the LSU Natural Resources Symposium 4:1-8.	June 2013
Chowdhury MSN, La Peyre MK, Coen LD, Morris RL, Luckenbach MW, Ysebaert T, Walles B, Smaal AC. 2021. Ecological engineering with oysters enhances coastal resilience efforts. Ecological Engineering 169:106320 \| Abstract	June 2021	Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to habitat loss, sea-level rise, and other climate change effects. Oyster-dominated eco-engineered reefs have been promoted as integral components of engineered habitats enhancing coastal resilience through provision of numerous ecological, morphological, and socio-economic services. However, the assessed ‘success’ of these eco-engineered oyster reefs remains variable across projects and locations, with their general efficacy in promoting coastal resilience, along with related services, often mixed at best. Understanding factors influencing the success of these eco-engineered habitats as valuable coastal management tools could greatly inform related future efforts. Here, we review past studies incorporating reef-building oysters for coastal resilience and enhanced ecosystem services. Our aims are to better understand their utility and limitations, along with critical knowledge gaps to better advance future applicability. Success depends largely on site selection, informed by physical, chemical and biological factors, and adjacent habitats and bottom types. Better understanding of oyster metapopulation dynamics, tolerance and adaptation to changing conditions, and interactions with adjacent habitats will help to better identify suitable locations, and design more effective eco-engineered reefs. These eco-engineered reefs however provide a useful tool to assist in developing coastal resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise.
Chambers, J. L., W. H. Conner, R. F. Keim, S. P. Faulkner, J. W. Day, E. S. Gardiner, M. S. Hughes, S. L. King, K. W. McLeod, C. A. Miller, J. A. Nyman, and G. P. Shaffer. 2006. Towards sustainable management of Louisiana's coastal wetland forests: Problems, constraints, and a new beginning. Pages 383-395 in Coastal Environment and Water Quality. Proceedings of the International Conference on Hydrology and Management of Forested Wetlands. Keim, R. F., J. L. Chambers, M. S. Hughes, J. A. Nyman, C. A. Miller, J. B. Amos, W. H. Conner, J. W. Day Jr., S. P. Faulkner, E. S. Gardiner, S. L. King, K. W. McLeod, and G. P. Shaffer. 2006. Ecological consequences of changing hydrological conditions in wetland forests of coastal Louisiana. P. 383-395 in: Coastal Environment and Water Quality, Y. J. Xu and V. P. Singh, eds. Challenges in Coastal Hydrology and Water Quality, Water Resource Publications, Highlands Ranch, Colo. 534pp.	February 2006
Caswell, J. H., A. D. Afton, and F. D. Caswell. 2003. Vulnerability of nontarget goose species to hunting with electronic snow goose calls. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31:1117-1125.	January 2004
Casas SM, Lavaud R, La Peyre MK, Comeau LA, Filgueira R, La Peyre JF. 2018. Quantifying salinity and season relationships on eastern oyster clearance and oxygen consumption rates. Marine Biology 165:90-101. \| Abstract	April 2018	Limited empirical data exist on Crassostrea virginica physiological rates across the range of salinities and temperatures that populations are regularly exposed. This lack of data reduces the accuracy of growth and production models under changing environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to quantify the clearance and oxygen consumption rates of C. virginica from Louisiana across a range of salinities (3, 6, 9, 15 and 25) and seasonal temperatures (17 ºC in winter, 27º C in summer) typical of the region. Salinity and temperature affected C. virginica physiology differently; salinity impacted clearance rates with reduced feeding rates at low salinities, while temperature had a strong effect on respiration rates. Highest clearance rates were found at salinities ranging between 9 and 25, with reductions ranging from 50-80% and 90-95% at salinities of 6 and 3, respectively. Oxygen consumption rates in summer increased fourfold compared to winter. Oxygen consumption rates were within a narrow range and similar between salinities in winter but showed significant variation between individuals and salinities in summer that likely reflected varying stages of gonad development. Valve movements measured at the five salinities indicated oysters remained opened between 50 and 60% of the time in the 6 to 25 salinity range and about 30% at a salinity of 3. Reduced opening periods, concomitant with narrower gap amplitudes, support the finding of limited feeding at the lowest salinity (3). These data indicate the need for increased focus on experimental determination of optimal ranges and thresholds to better quantify oyster population responses to environmental changes.
Casas SM, La Peyre JL, La Peyre MK Evaluating variability and success in oyster reef restoration within an estuarine lake using two endpoints: Crassostrea virginica population dynamics and shell resources accretion. MEPS 524: 171-184 \| Abstract \| Download	January 2015	Restoration activities inherently depend on understanding the spatial and temporal variation in basic demographic rates of the species of interest. For species that modify and maintain their own habitat such as the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, understanding demographic rates and their impacts on population and habitat success are crucially important to ensuring restoration success. We measured oyster recruitment, density, size distribution, biomass, mortality, and Perkinsus marinus infection intensity quarterly for 3 years on shallow intertidal reefs created with shell cultch in March 2009. All reefs were located within Sister Lake, LA. Reefs were placed in pairs at three different locations within the lake; pairs were placed in low energy and medium energy sites within each location. Restored reefs placed within close proximity experienced very different development trajectories; there was high inter-site and intra-annual variation in recruitment and mortality of oysters, with only slight variation in growth curves. Despite this high variation in population dynamics, all reefs supported dense (728 ± 102 ind m-2) oyster populations and high live oyster biomass (> 19.6 kg m-2) at the end of 3 years. Shell accretion, on average, exceeded estimated rates required to keep rate with local subsidence and shell loss. Variation in recruitment, growth and survival drive local site-specific population success and indicate a need to understand local water quality, hydrodynamics, and metapopulation dynamics when planning restoration.
Casas SM, Comba D, La Peyre MK, Rikard S, La Peyre JF. 2023. Triploid eastern oysters are slower to osmoconform than their diploid half-siblings. Aquaculture. \| Abstract	October 2023	Triploid eastern oysters (<i>Crassostrea virginica</i>) suffer greater mortalities than diploids in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico estuaries when extreme low salinities (<5) and elevated temperatures (≥28 ºC) coincide. To investigate potential causes, changes in plasma osmolality, hemolymph pH, valve opening and mortality in diploid and triploid oyster half-siblings were compared during a step-down gradual acclimation from a salinity of 5 to 1 (5, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1) at 23°C (expt 1) and at 28°C (expt 2). To further explore differences in diploid and triploid oyster responses to changing salinity, we compared their plasma osmolality following an abrupt decrease in salinity from 20 to 10 or 5, followed by an increase in salinity from 5 or 10 to 20 once oysters had osmoconformed to the lowered salinities (expt 3). Lastly, changes in wet weights of mantle tissue explants were compared between diploid and triploid oysters every 10 minutes for 40 minutes after being transferred from a salinity of 20 to 10 (expt 4). Oysters of both ploidies were able to osmoconform with ambient water at salinities between 5 and 1.5. After a decrease in salinity, triploid oysterswere slower to open their valves and osmoconform, were less efficient in maintaining acid-base status, endured longer periods of acidic hemolymph pH, and were less efficient in regulating tissue water content compared to half-sibling diploid oysters. At a salinity of 1.0, plasma of both diploid and triploid oysters remained hyperosmotic, their hemolymph acidic and their valves closed. Oysters osmoconformed faster at 28°C than at 23°C, but the combination of low salinity (≤ 1.5) and higher temperature caused rapid mortalities regardless of ploidies. Triploid oysters, however, started dying earlier and at greater percentages when salinity of 1.5 and temperature of 28°C were combined. Triploids have been embraced as a means to support higher production, but results suggest superimposed stressors, such as low salinity and high temperature, may be more lethal to triploid than diploid oysters.<br>
Casas S. M., Filgueira R, Lavaud R., Comeau L. A., La Peyre M. K., La Peyre J. F.. 2018. COMBINED EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND SALINITY ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF TWO GEOGRAPHICALLY-DISTANT EASTERN OYSTER POPULATIONS. Journal of Experimental Biology 506:82-90. \| Abstract	June 2018	Understanding why a species occupies a certain geographic range and predicting how they will be affected by climate change require characterizing physiological traits in geographically-distant populations. The objective of this study was to perform a direct comparison of two eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations that occupy contrasting temperature and salinity habitats, New Brunswick, Canada (47 °N – Gulf of St. Lawrence) and Louisiana, USA (29 °N – Gulf of Mexico). Specifically, clearance rate, valve opening and oxygen consumption rate were measured in oysters of both populations following a full factorial design with three temperatures (10, 20, 30°C) and two salinities (15, 25). New Brunswick oysters had a greater gill area, shell gap angle, and oxygen consumption rate. Temperature was the main driver of clearance rate, valve opening duration and oxygen consumption rate. Clearance rate at 20°C and 30°C was significantly higher than at 10°C, and oysters at 20°C had their valves opened for a greater percentage of time compared to oysters at 10°C and 30°C. Oxygen consumption rate increased gradually from 10°C to 30°C and similarly for both populations, with no indications of a thermal breakpoint at 30°C. Temperature coefficients for the oxygen consumption rate (Q10) were within the normal ecological range for both populations. No physiological differences were observed between salinities in both populations. No latitudinal compensation in the physiological rates was found. Overall, results showed that C. virginica is tolerant to a broad range of temperatures and salinities. Such physiological plasticity is consistent with the species’ extended geographical range.
Cantu de Leija, A., and S.L. King. 2023. Relationships among rare plant communities and abiotic conditions in managed spring-fed arid wetlands. Restoration Ecologydoi: 10.1111/rec.14011.	September 2023
Cantu de Leija, A., S.L.King, and T.S. Hawkins. 2022. Seed germination requirements and responses to salinity for three rare wetland plants of spring-fed arid systems. Journal of Arid Environments 199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2021.104705	April 2022
Bush, C. S., M. K. La Peyre and J. A. Nyman. 2004. Nekton use of restored habitat in a southwest Louisiana marsh. Ecological Engineering 23:63-75.	October 2004
Burke, M. K., S. L. King, D. Gartner, and M. H. Eisenbies. 2003. Vegetation, soil and flooding relationships in a blackwater floodplain forest. Wetlands 23:988-1002.	December 2003
Brown, L, J. Furlong, K. Brown, M. LaPeyre. 2013. Oyster Reef Restoration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Effect of Artificial Substrate and Age on Nekton and Commensal Community Use. Restoration Ecology 1-9. \| Abstract \| Download	December 2013	In the northern Gulf of Mexico, reefs built by the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, provide critical habitat within shallow estuaries, and recent efforts have focused on restoring reefs to benefit nekton and commensal populations. Nekton and commensal invertebrate communities are compared at historic reefs, and newly-created (< 5 yrs) and old (> 6 yrs) shell and rock substrate reefs. Using baited crab traps, gill nets, otter trawls, cast nets, and commensal invertebrate collectors, 20 shallow reefs (<5 m) in the northern Gulf of Mexico were sampled throughout the summer of 2011. We compared nekton and commensal community abundance, diversity and richness across reef types. While there were few differences in nekton assemblages, commensal invertebrate assemblages had the lowest diversity and abundance on old shell substrate reefs. Old rock substrate reefs had greater diversity, most likely due to greater amount of structure remaining, compared to shell reefs over time. To determine the refuge value of oyster reefs for commensals compared to bare bottom, we tested preferences of juvenile crabs across depth and refuge complexity, in the presence and absence of adult blue crabs. Juveniles were more likely to use deep water when predators were present, but only in the presence of oyster structure. Both our sampling and the laboratory study suggest that structural refugia result in higher commensal richness and diversity on reefs. Reef restoration therefore needs to use substrate materials that support long-term sustainability.
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Monitoring waterbird abundance in wetlands: the importance of controlling results for variation in water depth. Ecological Modelling 216:402-408.	June 2008
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2005. Sediments in marsh ponds of the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain: effects of structural marsh management and salinity. Wetlands Ecology and Management 13:395-404.	August 2005
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Relationships between wintering waterbirds and invertebrates, sediments and hydrology of coastal marsh ponds. Waterbirds 27:333-341.	October 2004
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Hydrologic aspects of marsh ponds during winter on the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain, USA: effects of structural marsh management. Marine Ecology Progress Series 266:35-42.	January 2004
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Effects of structural marsh management and salinity on invertebrate prey of waterbirds in marsh ponds during winter on the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Wetlands 23:897-910.	January 2004
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2012. Interactions of structural marsh management, salinity, and water depth on wintering waterbird communities. Pages 109-128 in Wetlands: Ecology, Management and Conservation (A. Baranyai and D. Benko, eds.). Nova Scientific Publishers, Inc., Hauppauge, NY.	December 2012
Bilkovic, DM, Mitchell, MM, La Peyre MK, Toft, JD. editors. 2017. Living shorelines: the science and management of nature-based coastal protection. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL	March 2017
Bilkovic, DM, M. Mitchell, J. Toft and M. La Peyre. 2017. Chapter 1: Introduction: A Primer to Living Shorelines. In: Bilkovic, DM, M. Mitchell, MK La Peyre, JD Toft. eds. Living shorelines: the science and management of nature-based coastal protection. CRC Press. Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL.	February 2017
Beck, S., and M.K. La Peyre. 2015. Oyster harvest in coastal Louisian: reef habitat alteration and the resident community response. Fishery Bulletin 113:327-340; doi: 10.7755/FB.113.3.8 \| Download	June 2015
Bagget, L.P, Powers, S.P. + 14 others. 2015. Setting guidelines for monitoring and evaluating the performance of oyster habitat restoration projects. Restoration Ecology \| Abstract \| Download	September 2015	Lack of adequate monitoring and the absence of a more universal set of performance metrics are common criticisms of many restoration projects. While funding limitations is an often cited cause, the diversity of restoration goals is also a serious impediment. Here, using restoration of oyster reef habitat, we illustrate how a common set of universal metrics can be adopted for projects with a diverse set of goals. In response to the current diversity in the monitoring of oyster restoration projects, a working group was formed to develop standardized monitoring metrics, units and performance criteria that would allow for comparison among restoration sites and projects of various construction types. After a 2011 workshop and subsequent discussions at national and regional conferences, as well as a lengthy public comment period, the working group put forth a national guidance handbook with recommendations for the consistent monitoring of oyster restoration projects. The handbook includes a set of Universal Metrics to be monitored for all oyster habitat restoration projects regardless of their goal(s), as well as Restoration Goal-Based Metrics that are specific to commonly cited ecosystem service-based restoration goals. Additionally, the working group provided guidance for a set of Universal Environmental Variables, to be monitored for every restoration project, and an optional set of ancillary metrics that could provide information useful to the interpretation of pre-and post-restoration monitoring data. Widespread adoption of a common set of metrics with standardized techniques and units to assess well-defined goals not only allows practitioners to gauge the performance of their own projects, but also allows for comparison among projects, which is essential to the advancement of the field of oyster restoration.
Austin, J. E., C. M. Custer, and A. D. Afton. 2005. Lesser scaup. Pages 679-685 in Bird Families of the World: Ducks, Geese and Swans (J. Kear, Ed. ). Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.	March 2005
Austin, J. E., C. M. Custer, and A. D. Afton. 1998. Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis). In The Birds of North America, No. 338 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds. ). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.	July 1998
Austin, J. E., A. D. Afton, M. G. Anderson, R. G. Clark, C. M. Custer, J. S. Lawrence, J. B. Pollard, and J. K. Ringleman. 1999. Declines of greater and lesser scaup populations: issues, hypotheses, and research directions. USDI, U. S. Geological Survey Report, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. (www. npwrc. usgs. gov/resource/1999/blubill/blubill. htm).	November 1999
Austin, J. E., A. D. Afton, M. G. Anderson, R. G. Clark, C. M. Custer, J. S. Lawrence, J. B. Pollard, and J. K. Ringelman. 2000. Declining scaup populations: issues, hypotheses, and research needs. Wildlife Society Bulletin 28:254-263.	January 2000
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Lipid reserves of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) migrating across a large landscape are consistent with the "spring condition" hypothesis. Auk 126:873-883.	October 2009
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Using plasma-lipid metabolites to index changes in lipid reserves of free-living lesser scaup (Aythya affinis). Auk 125:354-357.	April 2008
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Diets of lesser scaup during spring migration throughout the Upper-Midwest are consistent with the spring condition hypothesis. Waterbirds 31:97-106.	March 2008
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Amphipod densities and indices of wetland quality across the Upper-Midwest, USA. Wetlands 28:184-196.	March 2008
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Diet shifts of lesser scaup are consistent with the spring condition hypothesis. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84:779-786.	July 2006
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: a test of the spring condition hypothesis. Auk 121:917-929.	August 2004
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2011. Lipid catabolism of invertebrate predator indicates widespread wetland ecosystem degradation. PLoS ONE 6(1):e16029.	January 2011
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Wetland use and feeding by lesser scaup during spring migration across the upper Midwest, USA. Wetlands 29:704-712.	June 2009
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, C. M. Custer, and T. W. Custer. 2007. Relationships of cadmium, mercury, and selenium with nutrient reserves of female Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) during winter and spring migration. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:515-520	February 2007
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, A. C. E. Anteau, E. B. Moser. 2011. Fish and land use influence Gammarus lacustris and Hyalella azteca (Amphipoda) densities in large wetlands across the upper Midwest. Hydrobologia 664:69-80.	April 2011
Anteau, M. J., A. C. E. Anteau, and A. D. Afton. 2011. Testing competing hypotheses for chronology and intensity of lesser scaup molt during winter and spring migration. The Condor 113:298-305.	May 2011
Anonymous. 2014. Whooping Cranes and Crawfish Farming. Factsheet. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA.	June 2014
Allen, ST, K.W. Krauss, JW Cochran, SL King, and RF Keim. 2016. Wetland tree transpiration modified by river-floodplain connectivity. Journal of Geophysical Research - Biogeosciences 121(3):753-766.	March 2016
Allen, S.T., J. W. Cochran, K.W. Krauss, R.F. Keim, and S.L. King. 2016. HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS ON DIAMETER GROWTH PHENOLOGY FOR CELTIS LAEVIGATA AND QUERCUS LYRATA IN THE FLOODPLAIN OF THE LOWER WHITE RIVER, ARKANSAS. Proceedings of the Southern Silvicultural Conference 18:273-279.	June 2016
Alisauskas, R. T., S. M. Slattery, J. P. Ryder, M. L. Gloutney, A. D. Afton, R. H. Kerbes, and M. R. McLandress. 1998. Discrimination of Ross's and lesser snow goose eggs. Journal of Field Ornithology 69:647-653.	December 1998
Afton, A. D., and M. G. Anderson. 2001. Declining scaup populations: a retrospective analysis of long-term population and harvest survey data. Journal of Wildlife Management 65:781-796.	December 2001
Ackerman, J. T., J. M. Eadie, M. L. Szymanski, J. H. Caswell, M. P. Vrtiska, A. H. Raedeke, J. M. Checkett, A. D. Afton, T. G. Moore, F. D. Caswell, R. A. Walters, D. D. Humburg, J. L. Yee. 2006. Effectiveness of spinning-wing decoys varies among dabbling duck species and locations. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:799-804.	July 2006
Wohner, P.J., S.A. Laymon, J.E. Stanek, S.L. King, and R.J. Cooper. 2021. Early successional riparian vegetation is important for Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo nesting habitat. Restoration Ecology 29(5):e13376. doi: 10.1111/rec.13376	March 2021
Donnelly, J.P., S. L. King, J. Netter, J.H. Gammonley, V.J. Dreitz, B.A. Grisham, M.C. Nowak, and D.P. Collins. 2021. Water scarcity drives ecological bottlenecks in continental migration networks supporting greater sandhill cranes. Ecosphere 12(6): 12(6):e03543. 10.1002/ecs2.3543 \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	June 2021	Preserving avian flyway connectivity has long been challenged by our capacity to meaningfully quantify continental habitat dynamics and bird movements at temporal and spatial scales underlying long-distance migrations. Waterbirds migrating hundreds or thousands of kilometers depend on networks of wetland stopover sites to rest and refuel. Entire populations may rely on discrete wetland habitats, particularly in arid landscapes where the loss of limited stopover options can have disproportionately high impacts on migratory cost. Here, we examine flyway connectivity in water-limited ecosystems of western North America using 108 GPS tagged greater sandhill cranes. Bird movements were used to reconstruct wetland stopover networks across three geographically unique sub-populations spanning 12 US-Mexican states and Canadian provinces. Networks were monitored with remote sensing to identify long-term (1988-2019) trends in wetland and agricultural resources supporting migration and were evaluated using centrality metrics as a measure of stopover site importance to flyway connectivity. Sandhill crane space-use was analyzed in stopover locations to identify important ownership and landscape factors structuring bird distributions. Migratory efficiency was the primary mechanism underpinning network function. A small number of key stopover sites important to minimizing movement cost between summering and wintering locations were essential to preserving flyway connectivity. Localized efficiencies were apparent in stopover landscapes given prioritization of space-use by birds where the proximity of agricultural food resources and flooded wetlands minimized daily movements. Model depictions showing wetland declines from 16-18% likely reflect a new normal in landscape drying that could decouple agriculture-waterbird relationships as water scarcity intensifies. Sustaining network resilience will require conservation strategies to balance water allocations preserving agricultural and wetlands on private lands that accounted for 67-96% of habitat use. Study outcomes provide new perspectives of agroecological relationships supporting continental waterbird migration necessary to prioritize conservation of landscapes vital to maintaining flyway connectivity.
Fournier, A.M.V, Sullivan, A., Bump, J., Perkins, M., Shieldcastle, M.C., King, S. 2016 Combining citizen science species distribution models and stable isotopes reveals migratory connectivity in the secretive Virginia rail Journal of Applied Ecology doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12723 \| Abstract \| Download \| Publisher Website	June 2016	Summary 1.Stable hydrogen isotope (δD) methods for tracking animal movement are widely used yet often produce low resolution assignments. Incorporating prior knowledge of abundance, distribution, or movement patterns can ameliorate this limitation but data are lacking for most species. We demonstrate how observations reported by citizen scientists can be used to develop robust estimates of species distributions and to constrain δD assignments. 2.We developed a Bayesian framework to refine isotopic estimates of migrant animal origins conditional on species distribution models constructed from citizen scientist observations. To illustrate this approach, we analysed the migratory connectivity of the Virginia rail Rallus limicola, a secretive and declining migratory game bird in North America. 3.Citizen science observations enabled both estimation of sampling bias and construction of bias-corrected species distribution models. Conditioning δD assignments on these species distribution models yielded comparably high-resolution assignments. 4.Most Virginia rails wintering across five Gulf Coast sites spent the previous summer near the Great Lakes, although a considerable minority originated from the Chesapeake Bay watershed or Prairie Pothole region of North Dakota. Conversely, the majority of migrating Virginia rails from a site in the Great Lakes most likely spent the previous winter on the Gulf Coast between Texas and Louisiana. 5.Synthesis and applications. In this analysis Virginia rail migratory connectivity does not fully correspond to the administrative flyways used to manage migratory birds. This example demonstrates that with the increasing availability of citizen science data to create species distribution models, our framework can produce high-resolution estimates of migratory connectivity for many animals, including cryptic species. Empirical evidence of links between seasonal habitats will help enable effective habitat management, hunting quotas, and population monitoring and also highlight critical knowledge gaps.

Presentations

Presentations	Presentation Date
zu Ermgassen et al. 2019. Estimating fish and invertebrate production from seagrass, saltmarsh and oyster reef in the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Mobile, LA, Nov 3-8, 2019.	November 2019	Seagrass, saltmarsh and oyster reefs are recognized as Essential Fish Habitats in coastal waters of the U.S. because they support high densities of juvenile fish and invertebrates. Yet the degree to which this juvenile enhancement results in increased fish biomass at a landscape scale remains poorly quantified. Here we present results from an analysis of a large database of habitat specific juvenile densities, collated from the published literature as well as coastal state fisheries independent
de Leija, A.C., J.P. Donnelly, S.L. King. 2022. Surface water dynamics of Chihuahuan Desert wetlands: implications for migratory waterbird habitat conservation. Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society, Corpus Christi, TX.	November 2022	@e evaluated surface water dynamics of 29 historically important wetlands in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico to migratory waterbirds by reconstructing a 36-year (1984-2019) time series of seasonal (October-March) surface water extent via remote sensing. Our results provide quantitative insight into patterns and trends in surface water availability and inform where restoration and protection efforts may be most beneficial.
Zang Z, Xue ZG, Sable SE, La Peyre MK, Lindquist DC, Rose KA, Ou Y. 2023. A numerical study of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) larvae growth and dispersal in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Portland OR Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	This is the first work to develop a larval dispersal and settlement model to link to oyster survival and growth models. This work will be tied into state of Louisiana management decision making, and set up to be adapted to other state estuaries.
Yurek S, Lavaud R., La Peyre MK, Wang H. 2023. Modeling oyster reef population dynamics: from individual bioenergetics to structural mechanics. State of the Coast, New Orleans, LA. 2023	May 2023	This reports on a three dimensional model of oyster reef mechanics. This model provides a means to model not just oyster growth, but reef growth and sustainability.
Wohner, P.J., S.A. Laymon, J.E. Stanek, S.L. King, and R.J. Cooper. 2021. Challenging Our Understanding of Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Habitat Needs and Accepted Management Practices. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual (Virtual) Meeting.	June 2021	Yellow-billed cuckoos are a federally threatened species that uses riparian forest in California and the southwest. In this study, we evaluate habitat characteristics for this species and identify potential habitat management strategies to improve habitat quality.
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2004. Secretive marsh bird and vegetation communities of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2004. Breeding bird and vegetation communities of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee and Kentucky. Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of The Wildlife Society.	March 2004
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King. 2003. Seventy-five years of plant community changes at Reelfoot Lake. Annual Meeting of Tennessee Academy of Sciences.	November 2003
Winstead, N. A., and S. L. King 2003. Breeding bird and vegetative communities of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee and Kentucky. Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, Louisiana	June 2003
Winiarksi, J. M., D.N. Fowler, M.D. Palumbo, and J.N. Straub. 2022. Comparing expert and data-driven seasonal waterfowl distributions to inform conservation strategies: a case study in Wisconsin. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Spokane, Washington, 6-10 November 2022.	November 2022	This research evaluates the implications of using empirically derived seasonal species distribution and relative abundance models using citizen science, specifically the eBird Status and Trends products, in place of expert-opinion habitat distributions in a statewide decision support tool for waterfowl conservation. In our analysis, the degree of parity between the two data sources was species and season dependent, revealing the importance of integrating empirically derived species distribution
Wiebe, J.J., R. Dobbs, J. Hemming, D. Hewitt, J.S. Gleason, S. King, K. Freer-Leonards, T. Baker, D. Lee, J.A. Nyman, T. Carruthers, E.Windhoffer, J. Henkel, and J. Bienn. 2024. Louisiana Coastwide Avian Restoration, Monitoring and Adaptive Management Session Category: Deepwater Horizon Science Coordination: Restoration, Co-Production, and Synthesis. Gulf of Mexico Conference, Tampa, FL.	February 2024	This paper synthesizes the work of several studies focused on recovery following the BP Oil Spill.
Whittington, M. S., and S. L. King. 2004. Evaluation of aquatic macroinvertebrates available to wintering waterfowl in managed and natural wetlands in West Tennessee. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Westbrook, P., Heffner, L., and M. La Peyre. Nutrient mitigation provided by oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. State of the Coast, Louisiana, June 2016.	June 2016	We quantified the contribution of oyster reefs to nitrogen denitrification and long-term burial in coastal Louisiana.
Westbrook, P., Heffner, L., La Peyre. M. 2016. Nutrient mitigation provided by oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. LDWF Research Symposium. May 31, 2016. Baton Rouge, LA.	May 2016	Documents and compares denitrification and nitrogen and carbon sequestration rates of oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. This project indicates that DNF rates in coastal Louisiana are highest reported for oyster reefs, where we previously only had estimates from the east coast.
Westbrook, P, Heffner, L, La Peyre. M. 2017. Oysters help maintain water quality. Louisiana Agriculture Magazine. Louisiana Agriculture Magazine. WInter 2017.	October 2017	This is a short summary of recent work quantifying oyster bioassimilation of carbon and nitrogen, and measuring dentrification rates of oyster reefs. THis work quantifies the potential role of oysters in mitigating estuarine eutrophication.
Westbrook, P and M La Peyre. 2016. Water quality benefits provided by oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. Louisiana Fisheries Summit. New Orleans, LA.	March 2016	This presents some basic information on the role of oysters in nitrogen sequestration in coastal estuaries.
Wang, H.., Chen, J., La Peyre, M., Lu, K., La Peyre, J., Anderson, J. Modeling Eastern Oyster Growth and Production under Scenarios of River Diversion and Sea-level Rise. State of the Coast, Louisiana, June 2016.	June 2016	This presents a final coupled hydrodynamic oyster model for Breton Sound, LA.
Wang, H, CHen Q, La Peyre MK, Hu K, La Peyre JF 2018. Predicting the impacts of Mississippi River diversions and sea-level rise on spatial patterns of eastern oyster growth rate and production. State of the Coast, New Orleans, LA, May 30-June 1, 2018.	May 2018	This is a model that examines how oyster production may shift across Louisiana's most productive oyster estuary under different management and future climate scenarios.
Wang H., Q. Chen, M. La Peyre, K. Hu, J. La Peyre and J. Anderson Lively. 2015. Predicting the responses of eastern oyster population to river diversion and sea-level rise. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Meeting. April 23-26, 2015.	April 2015	Presents work coupling a hydrodynamic and oyster model in Breton Sound estuary. This is the first time this has been done for this area, and provides a tool for managers to predict management impacts on oysters.
Villani, R., S. L. King, and B. A. Pickens. 2010. Multi-scale habitat characteristics of shorebirds during spring migration in southwestern Louisiana. 128th Annual Meeting of the American Ornithological Union, San Diego, CA.	February 2010
Villani, R. and S. L. King. 08/2008. Integrated waterbird use of moist soil units. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting, Lafayette, LA.	August 2008
Vest, J.L., R. M. Kaminski, L. M. Pote, A. D. Afton, and F. J. Vilella. 2002. Parasites in lesser scaup in the Mississippi Flyway. Ninth Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society, Bismarck, ND.	September 2002
Vest, J. L., R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, L. M. Pote, and F. J. Vilella. 2003. Body mass and gastrointestinal helminths of lesser scaup during fall and winter in the Mississippi Flyway. Third North American Duck Symposium, Sacramento, CA; 5-9 November 2003.	November 2003
Vest, J. L., R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, L. M. Pote, and F. J. Vilella. 2000. Parasites and declining populations of lesser scaup in the Mississippi flyway. Second North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 11-15 October 2000.	October 2000
Vasseur, PL, SL King, and MD Kaller. 2020. Diurnal time-activity budgets and habitat use of Whooping Cranes in the reintroduced Louisiana nonmigratory population. North American Crane Workshop, Lubbock, Texas.	January 2020	We examined behaviors of the reintroduced Louisiana Nonmigratory Population to determine how time-activity budgets change relative to crane age, habitat type, and season. The information from this study provides insights into key habitats and will help guide conservation efforts for this species.
Vasseur, P.L, S.L. King, M.D. Kaller, and S. E. Zimorski. 2020. Behavior analysis and long-term survival of captive-reared juvenile whooping cranes in the reintroduced Louisiana nonmigratory population. North American Crane Workshop, Lubbock, Texas.	January 2019	Costume-reared Whooping Cranes have been used in reintroduction efforts for nearly 2 decades but no studies have evaluated links between pen behaviors and future survival. In this study, we evaluate these relationships and determine that for the cohorts in this study there was no obvious behavior and survival linkage.
Valente, J.J., and S.L. King. 2008. Habitat characteristics associated with breeding secretive marsh birds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Louisiana. The Waterbird Society 32nd Annual Meeting. South Padre Island, Texas.	November 2008
Valente, J., and S. L. King. 2008. Habitat Characteristics associated with breeding secretive marsh birds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. American Ornithological Union, Annual Meeting. Portland, OR. (contributed; poster)	August 2008
Tirpak JM + 12 authors. 2016. Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment: Mangrove, Tidal Emergent Marsh, Barrier Islands, and Oyster Reef. LDWF 2015 Research, Management and Wildlife Education Symposium. Baton Rouge, LA. May 31, 2016	May 2016	THis presents a vulnerability assessment of four key habitats and dependent species across the northern Gulf of Mexico. This work helps identify the most vulnerable species and habitats for managers to focus on.
Theresa M. Davenport, Devin A. Comba, Soupy Dalyander, Nicholas Enwright, Jon Hemming, Jonathan Kleinman, Meg Palmsten, Greg Steyer, Hana Thurman, Megan K. La Peyre 2022. Designing a conceptual model to facilitate the assessment of the cumulative effects of Deepwater Horizon (DWH) restoration projects on barrier island/barrier shoreline ecosystem resilience in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. GERS 2022 Biennial Meeting, Gulfport MS	October 2022	This work presents a conceptual model designed to guide a project assessing the cumulative effects of Deepwater Horizon restoration projects on barrier island/barrier shoreline ecosystem resilience.
Taylor, C, Nyman JA, Faldyn MJ, MK La Peyre. 2019. Effects of freshwater inflow on blue crab Callinectes sapidus populations in Louisiana. Louisiana Association of Professional BIologists Meeting, Lafayette, LA.	August 2019	This study examines blue crab abundance and distribution in response to changing freshwater inflow in Louisiana estuaries. As an economically important species, understanding how freshwater inflow impacts blue crab distribution provides input into management.
Taylor, C, Coxe, M., Baustian, M, Sable, S. 2019. Seines, electrofishing, throwtraps: a comparison of three gear types in Barataria Bay, LA. Louisiana Association of Professional BIologists. Lafayette, LA	August 2019	This work compares gear types sampling across an estuarine gradient, for efficiency in capturing key species, and total abundances. This work is to assist state managers in updating their sampling protocols, while ensuring that long-term trends may be analyzed in the face of changing estuarine conditions and possible gear types.
Taylor C, Nyman JA, La Peyre MK. 2019. Effects of freshwater inflow on blue crab Callinectes sapidus populations in Louisiana. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Mobile, AL. Nov 2-8, 2019.	November 2019	Understanding how blue crab populations and nekton assemblages may differ in estuaries with differing freshwater inflow may critically inform managers.
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2005. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. Annual conference of the North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Mandan, ND	February 2005
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. Winter meeting of the Central Flyway Waterfowl Technical Committee, Amarillo, TX.	December 2004
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. Mississippi Flyway Technical Section, Jackson, MS; 14-19 February 2004.	February 2004
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. Annual waterfowl committee meeting, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN; 21-22 January 2004.	January 2004
Szymanski, M. L., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards in Minnesota. 64th Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, Kansas City, MO; 7-10 December 2003.	December 2003
Szymanski, M. L., P. R. Garrettson, and A. D. Afton. 2013. Assessment of band wear by lesser scaup and redheads and effects of double banding on reporting probability. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study examined wear and potential loss of aluminum bands on 2 diving duck species that frequent salt water habitats in winter. It will assist wildlife managers in adjusting survival rates for band loss bias in old banding data sets and provide guidance for considerations of requiring the use of hard metal bands on these species in the future.
Szymanski, M. L., P. Garrettson, and A. D. Afton. 2010. Band retention probabilities for Redheads and Lesser Scaup. Central Flyway Technical Section, Tulsa, OK.	March 2010
Sweet J, Casas S, La Peyre J, La Peyre M, Stauffer B. 2023. The effects of Microcystis aeruginosa on the selective feeding of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. State of the Coast. New Orleans, LA	June 2023	This is laboratory work examining the impacts of potentially harmful cyanobacteria that may be becoming more prevalent in Louisiana estuaries may have on oysters.
Swam L, La Peyre MK, Couvillion B, Callam B, La Peyre JF. 2020. Oyster resource zones in coastal Louisiana: Defining oyster resource zones for restoration, fisheries and aquaculture. Gulf Estuarine Research Society Virtual Meeting, Nov. 16-19, 2020.	November 2020	Using continuous water quality data across the coast of Louisiana, oyster resource zones were defined to guide restoration and aquaculture planning. Zones for spawning sanctuaries, off-bottom aquaculture development, and restoration areas were identified.
Swam L, La Peyre MK, Callam B, La Peyre JF. 2020. Low salinity tolerance in oyster populations: Assessing effects of salinity on growth and survival of Crassostrea virginica. Bays and Bayous Symposium, December 1-3, 2020. Virtual.	December 2020	Unique oyster populations, located in estuarine areas heavily influenced by large river flows, thrive in low salinity waters. This project quantifies oyster performance to help identify unique populations that could be used to develop low salinity tolerant broodstock to support restoration and production.
Stuht C, Han M, Enwright NM, Dalyander PS, Palmsten ML, Steyer GS, Davenport TM, La Peyre MK. 2023. Quantifying ecogeomorphic change and resilience along barrier island shorelines and barrier islands. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. Portland OR, Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	This work examines geomorphorphic resilience of barrier islands/barrier island shorelines in the Gulf of Mexico coast, and explores whether cumulative effects of restoration activities can be assessed.
Stephens T, Zang J, Sable S, Rose, K, Xu G, La Peyre M, Carter B 2023. Simulating oyster larval transport to support ecosystem restoration. National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration. April 14-18, Albuquerque NM	April 2024	This presents initial work on developing oyster larval modeling framework to apply to Gulf of Mexico estuaries to support oyster restoration.
Stemaly, S, Hobson, K, Ringelman, K, and D.N. Fowler. 2024. Breeding origins of waterfowl harvested in Louisiana derived from band recoveries and stable isotope (δ²H) measurements of feathers. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This work compares two techniques to assess breeding origins of harvested waterfowl. Results from this research can be used to inform implications of using different harvest derivations of waterfowl origin.
Stanek, J.E., P. J. Wohner, S. A. Laymon, S.L. King, and R.J. Cooper. 2021. Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Nesting Habitat Restoration. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Virtual Meeting.	June 2021	Yellow-billed cuckoos are a federally threatened species that uses riparian forest in California and the southwest. In this study, we identify habitat characteristics affecting forest use for nesting and discuss potential strategies to improve nesting habitat for this species.
Soniat, Thomas M., Mahdi Abdelguerfi, Eric N. Powell, John M. Klinck, Eileen E. Hofmann, Shengru Tu, Fareed Qaddoura, Janak Dahal, Paul Danos, Shashikiran Korepuri, Benjamin S. Eberline, Jerome F. La Peyre, Megan K. La Peyre, Keith B. Ibos, and Patrick Banks. 2011. Is Harvest from the Louisiana State Primary Seed Grounds Sustainable? What Numerical Modeling Might Resolve. Journal of Shellfish Research 30:554.	March 2011
Smith, N. R., A. D. Afton, and T. J. Hess, Jr. 2014. Morphometric sex determination of bald eagles from Louisiana. Louisiana Professional Biologists Fall Symposium, Baton Rouge, LA.	August 2014	We evaluated the accuracy of Bortolloti’s formula on 28 post-fledging Bald Eagles from Louisiana, and upon documenting numerous misclassifications (21.4%), used discriminant analysis to develop a new formula applicable to Louisiana and other southern Bald Eagles. Using beak depth and hallux length, we were able to provide 100% correct classification as confirmed by DNA analysis. Our formula should be applicable for accurately determining the sex of post-fledging southern Bald Eagles.
Smith, N. R., A. D. Afton and T. J. Hess, Jr. 2012. Migration of bald eagles from Louisiana. Fall Symposium of LAPB/TWS, Lafayette, LA.	August 2012	This study was first to document summer ranges of Louisiana Bald Eagles. All eagles spent the summer in Canada.
Smith, B. J., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Avian lethality study. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section meeting, Little Rock, AR.	February 2000
Slattery, S. M., A. D. Afton, M. G. Anderson, J. E. Austin, R. G. Clark, P. L. Flint, and M. C. MacCluskie. 2002. Scaup: status, research directions, and conservation challenges. Science Forum of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Lafayette, LA.	January 2002
Sehlinger, T, Lowe, M, Soniat, T, La Peyre, M. 2016. Synthesis of LDWF datasets for improved management of the Louisiana oyster fishery. LDWF Symposium. Baton Rouge, LA May 31, 2016.	May 2016	Sets out an approach to using 20 years of state data to help in informing future management goals by incorporating local oyster population dynamics.
Sehlinger, T, Lowe MR, La Peyre MK, Soniat TM. 2019. DIfferential effects of temperature and salinity on growth and mortality of eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica in Barataria Bay and Breton Sound, Louisiana. National Shellfisheries Association 111th Meeting, New Orleans, LA. March 7-11, 2019.	March 2019	We present analyses of long term data comparing growth and mortality of adult oysters from two bays, but experiencing similar salinity and temperature. Growth and mortality differed between the two populations suggesting other unmeasured influences on growth or mortality such as water quality, or genetics.
Sehlinger, T, Lowe M, Soniat TM, La Peyre MK, Beck S. 2016. Combined effects of temperature and salinity on eastern oyster population dynamics in the Barataria Estuary, Louisiana. SEAFWA, Baton Rouge, LA	October 2016	This work uses large historic datasets to develop models between oyster growth and mortality and water quality within one of Louisiana's major oyster producing estuaries. These relationships will be used to inform a sustainable harvest model and guide management decisions.
Sehlinger T, M. Lowe, T.M. Soniat, M.K. La Peyre. Using Long-term Monitoring Data to Derive Regionally Specific Growth and Mortality Relationships for Louisiana Oysters. National Shellfisheries Assocation. Knoxville, TN. March 2017	March 2017	This work is analyzing 20 years of the state's monitoring data on two important oyster reefs. The analyses are being used to generate regionally accurate parameters to use in the shellfish harvest model being developed for LDWF.
Schwartz LC, Plough LV, Lavaud R, La Peyre MK, Pandelides AF, Comba D, Stauffer BA. 2023. Improving low salinity tolerance in Louisiana populations of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica using genomic selection. Aquaculture America. New Orleans, LA 2023.	February 2023	The use of genomic selection in aquaculture remains relatively novel for bivalves. This work reports on the identification and selection of oysters tolerant of freshet events for use in selective breeding for oyster aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico.
Schwarting, L, M La Peyre, S. Casas, J. La peyre. Suitability of living oyster reef sites along the Louisiana Gulf coast with respect to oyster recruitment, growth and mortality. Benthic Ecology Meeting 42nd	March 2013	Selection of sites for restoration of oyster reefs is critical in determining restoration success. We examine both caged oyster growth data combined with on-reef recruitment and survival data to identify good locations for r
Schummer, M. L., A. D. Afton, S. S. Badzinski, S. A. Petrie, G. Olsen, K. Jacobs, M. Mitchel., and S. Jenkins. 2013. Using satellite telemetry to evaluate the effectiveness of the waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey for counting lesser and greater scaup in North America. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study examined the effectiveness of the annual waterfowl population and habitat survey for scaup, using known locations of migrating radio-marked ducks within the surveyed areas. The results should help improve survey techniques and reduce potential bias in population estimates for these species.
Schummer, M. L., A. D. Afton, S. Badzinski, S. A. Petrie, G. Olsen, K. Jacobs, M. Mitchell, and S, Jenkins. 2012. Using satellite telemetry to evaluate the effectiveness of the waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey for counting lesser scaup in North America. National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Congress, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.	May 2012	Results of the study will be useful to waterfowl managers involved in population and harvest management.
Schartz L, Plough L, Lavaud R, Comba D, Pandelides AF, Stauffer B, La Peyre MK. Genome enabled breeding of oysters for more consistent production in low salinity waters. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, Portland OR, Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	The application of genomic selection to aquaculture breeding programs is relatively novel. This explores the use of genomic selection on oysters from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the US to identify markers for breeding of more low salinity oysters.
Sable S, Stephens T, Lavaud R, La Peyre M, Rose K, Wang H, Yurek S, Diaz O, Georgiou I, Zang J, XUe G, Carter B. Metapopulation modeling to inform restoration and sustainability in Louisiana estuaries. National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, Arpil 14-19, 2024. Albuquerque NM	September 2023	This work supports the state of Louisiana's oyster restoration and production goals by developing a metapopulation model for oysters in three key estuaries.
Rybovich, M., M. La Peyre, S. Hall, J. La Peyre. Effects of low salinity and high temperature on spat, seed, and market-sized oyster (Crassostrea virginica) growth and mortality. NSA 2014	March 2014	This work documents growth and mortality of eastern oysters in low salinity, high temperature conditions common in coastal Louisiana. This work is important to better parameterize models and to understand how climate change, and management activities may affect oyster population dynamics.
Rowe, S. and M.K. La Peyre. 2001. Effects of salinity changes on growth and distribution of Ruppia maritima: implications for management. 16th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation. St. Petersburg, FL. Nov. 4-8, 2001.	November 2001
Rotella, J. J., R. G. Clark, and A. D. Afton. 2001. Size-related reproductive and survival patterns in lesser scaup. 119th Stated Meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union, Seattle, Washington, 16-18 August 2001.	August 2001
Ritenour, K., S. Collins, and S.L. King. 2019. Flooding and Nest Success of Colonial Nesting Waterbirds in Coastal Louisiana, USA. Society of Wetland Scientists Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland.	May 2019	Restoration of breeding islands for colonial nesting waterbirds is extremely expensive, thus data are needed to assist in determining minimum elevations necessary to sustain nesting success. In this study, we evaluate nesting success of four colonial nesting waterbird species as it relates to flood probabilities in coastal Louisiana.
Ritenour, K., S. Collins, and S.L. King. 2019. Flooding and Nest Success of Colonial Nesting Waterbirds in Coastal Louisiana, USA. Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Baltimore, MD.	May 2019	Colonial nesting waterbirds often use low-lying coastal islands for nesting and overwash events can cause substantial mortality. In this study, we determine the effects of elevation on several colonial nesting waterbird species to assist in the identification of target elevations for island restoration.
Riley, S., M. La Peyre, J. La Peyre, M. Kelly. 2017. Using Next Generation Sequencing to Identify Local Adaptation to Salinity in the American Oyster, Crassostrea virginica, in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Society for Comparative and Integrative Biology Meeting, January 2017, New Orleans, LA.	January 2017	This work is investigating the use of next gen sequencing tools to identify possible local adaptations to salinity by the eastern oyster.
Pollack, J., M. La Peyre, J. Grabowski, D. Yoskowitz. Evaluating restoration success: ecology, economy, and society. CERF 2015 Session Proposal. Nov 8-12, Portland OR	November 2015	This is a session proposal for the CERF meeting in 2015. The idea is to focus on evaluation of restoration, and to identify important lessons that can be learned by monitoring.
Plunket, John and M. La Peyre. 2003. A comparison of finfish assemblages on subtidal oyster shell (cultched oyster lease) and mud bottom in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. National Shellfisheries Association 95th Annual Meeting. April 13-17, 2003, New Orleans, LA.	April 2003
Pierlussi, S. and S. L. King. 2003. Amphibian use of created wetlands. 24th Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, Louisiana.	June 2003
Pierluissi, S. and S. L. King. 2005. Waterbird use of rice fields in southwestern Louisiana. The Wildlife Society 12th Annual Conference, Madison, Wisconsin.	September 2005
Pierluissi, S. and S. L. King. 2005. Waterbird use of rice fields in southwestern Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
Pierluissi, S. and S. L. King. 2005. Waterbird use of rice fields in southwestern Louisiana. Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, Lafayette, LA.	August 2005
Pierluissi, S. and S. L. King. 2004. Census and evaluation of waterbirds in Southwestern Louisiana ricefields. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Pierluisii, S., and S. L. King. 2006 (invited). King rail use of rice fields in southwestern Louisiana. USFWS King Rail Focal Species Workshop. Memphis, TN.	November 2006
Pierce, A., and S. L. King. 2004. A comparison of sediment deposition rates and types in bottomland hardwood forests along altered and unaltered tributaries of the Hatchie River, Tennessee. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Pierce, A. R., and S. L. King. 2006. The influence of channelization on overbank sedimentation dynamics in bottomland hardwood forest of the Hatchie River. 91st Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Memphis, TN. (contributed)	August 2006
Pierce, A. R., S. L. King, K. Hersey, and N. A. Winstead. 2006. Sandhill crane migration patterns and winter movements in southwestern and central Louisiana. North American Crane Conference, Zacatecas, Mexico. (poster; contributed)	February 2006
Pierce, A. R. and S. L. King. 2003. Effects of valley plugs on succession of bottomland hardwoods in the Hatchie River watershed, Tennessee	June 2003
Pierce, A. P. and S. L. King. 2005. Overbank sedimentation dynamics in bottomland hardwood forests of the Hatchie River watershed, Tennessee. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting. Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
Piehler, M., M. La Peyre, B. Gossman, B. Piazza and J. La Peyre. Oyster recruitment and growth on an artificial reef structure in Grand Isle, LA. American Fisheries Society, Louisiana Mtg. Jan 31-Feb. 1, 2008	January 2008
Pickens, B.A., and S.L. King. 2016. Multi-scale habitat associations of King Rails in coastal marshes of Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas.	June 2016	King rails are a species of conservation concern and factors affecting distribution and abundance in gulf coastal marshes are poorly understood. In this study, we used novel remote sensing approaches combined with more traditional local habitat studies to determine the major factors affecting and abundance and distribution of king rails in the region.
Pickens, B. A., and S. L. King. 2010. A spatially explicit habitat model for the king rail, Rallus elegans, in agricultural wetlands. Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Pittsburgh, PA.	August 2010
Pickens, B. A. and S. L. King. 2011 (August). A Remote Sensing Approach to Assessing King Rail Habitat. American Ornithologist Union, Jacksonville, FL.	August 2011
Piazza, B.P., Banks, P., Supan, J. and M. La Peyre. 2003. Use of created oyster reefs as a sustainable shoreline protection tool in Louisiana. Estuarine Research Federation. SEattle, WA	September 2003
Piazza, B., and M. La Peyre. 2005. Impacts of freshwater diversion pulsed events on nekton assemblages in Breton Sound, LA. Coastal Zone 2002, July 15-22, New Orleans, LA.	July 2005
Piazza, B., P. Banks, J. Supan and M. La Peyre. 2003. Created oyster reefs for shoreline protection in Louisiana. Louisiana Oystermen's Convention. Kenner, LA.	August 2004
Piazza, B., M.K. La Peyre and B. Keim. 2009. Relating large-scale climate variability to local species abundance: ENSO forcing and brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) in Breton Sound, Louisiana, USA. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Portland, OR, Nov 1-5.	November 2009	s
Piazza, B. and M.K. La Peyre. 2006. Pulsed freshwater effects on nekton communities in Breton Sound, LA. Restore AMerica's Estuaries 3rd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration. Dec. 10-13, 2006 New Orleans, LA.	December 2006
Piazza, B. and M. La Peyre. 2007. Managing Freshwater inputs: effects on nekton productivity, diversity and community assembly in Breton SOund, LA. American Fisheries Society Japanese Society of Fisheries Science Joint Session, San Francisco, CA. Sept. 4-8, 2007.	September 2007
Piazza, B and M. La Peyre. 2007. Measuring nekton to assess effects of the restoration of the annual flood pulse. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Providence RI Oct. 8-12 2007	October 2007
Perkins, T.L. and S. L. King. Behavior Ecology of Pen-Reared, Reintroduced Whooping Cranes within the Louisiana Landscape. 13th North American Crane Working Group Workshop, Lafayette, LA.	April 2014	This study provides novel quantitative information on behaviors exhibited by a pen-reared, reintroduced Whooping Crane population in the wild and provides a strong foundation for the effects of habitat quality, captive rearing methods, disturbance rates and types, and other environmental factors on Whooping Crane behaviors.
Perkins, T., V. Dinets, and S. L. King. 2013.Restoring A Part of Our Natural Heritage: The Return of the Whooping Crane to Louisiana. Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium.	August 2013	Louisiana once supported more Whooping Cranes than anywhere in North America, including migrant and resident populations. This study summarizes the rationale for a reintroduction effort of a resident population of Whooping Cranes in Louisiana, and the success to date.
Perkins, T. L. and S. L. King. The Spatial and Temporal Use of Habitats by a Reintroduced Population of Whooping Cranes in Louisiana. 13th North American Crane Working Group Workshop, Lafayette, LA.	April 2014	This work provides novel information on habitat use of reintroduced Whooping Crane in southwestern Louisiana.
Perkins, M. and S. L. King. 2006 (invited). Linking breeding and wintering grounds of King Rails with stable isotopes. USFWS King Rail Focal Species Workshop. Memphis, TN.	November 2006
Perkins, M. M., and S. L. King. 2005. The use of stable isotopes to determine the ratio of resident to migrating king rails in southwestern Louisiana. Poster Presentation at: 12th Annual Meeting of The Wildlife Society, Madison, Wisconsin.	September 2005
Perkins, M. M., and S. L. King. 2005 (poster). The use of stable isotopes to determine the ratio of resident to migrant king rails in southwestern Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting. Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
Perkins, M. M., and S. L. King. 2006. Use of stable isotopes to determine the ratio of resident to migrant King Rails in southwestern Louisiana. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Annual Meeting. Lafayette, LA. (contributed)	August 2006
Perkins, M. M., and S. L. King. 2006. Use of stable isotopes to determine the ratio of resident to migrant King Rails in southwestern Louisiana. IV North American Ornithological Conference. Vera Cruz, Mexico. (contributed)	October 2006
PIazza, B.P. and M.K. La Peyre. 2006. Pulsed freshwater effects on nekton communities in Breton Sound, LA. American Fisheries Society, Lake Placid, NY.	September 2006
Oswalt, S. N. and S. L. King. 2004. Channelization and Floodplain Forests: Impacts of Accelerated Sedimentation and Valley Plug Formation on the Middle Fork Forked Deer River, Tennessee, USA. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting: Charting the Future, A Quarter Century of Lessons Learned. Seattle, Washington, July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Oswalt, S. N. and S. L. King. 2003. Evaluation and Description of a Floodplain Forest: The Middle Fork Forked Deer River, West Tennessee. [Poster with Abstract]. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control Association Meeting.	October 2003
Oswalt, S. (presenter), and S. L. King. 2003. Evaluation and description of a floodplain system: Middle Fork Forked Deer River, West Tennessee	June 2003
Olsen, R.E., and A.D. Afton. 1999. Vulnerability of lesser snow geese to electronic calling devices. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section Meeting. Radisson Hotel, Mobile, Alabama, 22 February 1999.	February 1999
Olsen, R.E., and A.D. Afton. 1999. Vulnerability of lesser snow geese to electronic calling devices. Central Flyway Waterfowl Technical Committee meeting, Holiday Inn, Lawton, Oklahoma, 5 March 1999.	March 1999
Olsen, R.E., and A.D. Afton. 1998. Vulnerability of snow geese to electronic calling devices, 60th Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, Cincinnati, OH, 6-9 December 1998.	December 1998
Nyman, J.A., M.K. La Peyre, S. C. Piazza, C. Winslow. 2010. Defining Restoration Targets for Flooding and Salinity in Louisiana’s Intermediate and Brackish Marshes. Society for Wetland Scientists, June 2010.	June 2010
Nyman, J.A. and M.K. La Peyre. 2005. A Review of the brief history of terraces. June 21, Sea Grant Extension Meeting, Louisiana Sea Grant, Baton Rouge, LA.	June 2005
Nyman, J.A. and M. La Peyre. 2005. SAV and seeds for waterfowl and restoration. Symposium for researchers for Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Lake Charles, LA.	March 2005
Nyman, J.A. and M. La Peyre. 2005. A review of the brief history of terraces. CREST Symposium: a review of the Alton Jones Foundation Report. April 13, 2005, Lafayette, LA	April 2005
Nyman, J. A., Megan K. La Peyre. 2009. Defining restoration targets for flooding and salinity in Louisiana's intermediate and brackish marshes. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists; August 13-14, Lafayette, LA.	January 2009	Defining restoration targets for flooding and salinity in Louisiana's intermediate and brackish marshes.
Nyman, J. A., M. La peyre. 2009. Defining restoration targets for water depth and salinity in wind-dominated Spartina paten (ait.) Muhl. Coastal marshes. Society for Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting June Madison WI.	January 2009	Defining restoration targets for water depth and salinity in wind-dominated Spartina paten (ait.) Muhl. Coastal marshes.
Nicolai, C. A., J. S. Sedinger, A. D. Afton, and C. D. Ankney. 2006. Analysis of 53 years of Lesser Scaup banding data in North America: attempting to deal with sparse banding data. Joint Meeting of the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Council Technical Sections, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.	February 2006
Nicolai, C. A., J. S. Sedinger, A. D. Afton, and C. D. Ankney. 2006. Using banding data to control for assumption violations associated with direct recovery rate estimation: an example using five decades of lesser scaup banding data. 4th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Bismarck, ND.	August 2006
Newell, P. and S. L. King. 08/2008. Nesting, roosting, and foraging of pileated woodpeckers in managed bottomland hardwood forests. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting, Lafayette, LA.	August 2008
Newell, P. J., and S. L. King. 06/2008. Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) and saproxylic beetles in partial cut and uncut bottomland hardwood forests. Ivory Billed Woodpecker Research Symposium, Lafayette, LA.	June 2008
Morris, R.L., + 11. 2018. Oysters on the front line: nature-based solutions for coastal defence. ECSA 57: Changing estuaries, coasts and shelf systems. Perth, Australia, 3-6 September 2018.	September 2018	This presents a large- scale analysis of the effectiveness of oyster reefs in attenuating waves along vulnerable shorelines. The work combines data from sites along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast of the U.S.
Moran, L.L.K., A. Lipford, S.L. King, and J.A. Nyman. 2024. Characterizing trends of secretive marshbird distributions across the Deltaic Plain of Louisiana. Gulf of Mexico Conference, Tampa, Florida.	February 2024	We conducted extensive surveys of secretive marshbirds in the Deltaic Plain of Louisiana from 2021-2023. Our results will assist in the development of coastal marsh restoration techniques that benefit secretive marshbirds and assist in determining oil spill impacts to these species.
Moran, L.L.K., A. Lipford, S.L. King, and J.A. Nyman. 2023. Characterizing trends of secretive marshbird distributions across the Deltaic Plain of Louisiana. Waterbird Society Annual Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.	October 2023	The lack of information regarding SMB distributions complicates planning, implementation of management and restoration to help SMBs in coastal Louisiana. We conducted three years of secretive marshbird surveys in coastal Louisiana to determine species abundance and habitat characteristics. This information will be used to provide information to ongoing restoration efforts.
Moran, L.L.K., A. Lipford, S.L. King, and J.A. Nyman. 2023. Characterizing Ecological Drivers of Secretive Marshbird Distribution Across Southeastern Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA.	June 2023	Coastal wetland loss in Louisiana impacts both people and wildlife, including secretive marshbirds. In this study, we evaluate the effects of a variety of coastal marsh habitat characteristics to inform coastal restoration projects to improve habitat for secretive marshbirds.
Moran, L., A. Lipford, S.L. King, and J.A. Nyman. 2022. Characterizing Ecological Drivers of Secretive Marshbird Distribution Across Southeastern Louisiana. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX.	November 2022	Louisiana is expected to spend $50 billion on coastal restoration. In this study, we identify key habitat factors driving secretive marshbird relative abundance with the broader goal of improving coastal restoration for secretive marshbirds.
Moran, L., A. Lipford, S.L. King, and J. Nyman. 2024. Characterizing ecological drivers of secretive marshbird distribution across southeastern Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Taipei, Taiwan.	November 2024	Louisiana's coastal marshes are important habitat for secretive marshbirds, but coastal wetland loss threatens the quality of their habitats. In this study, we quantify secretive marshbird distribution and movements as they relate to habitat structure and hydrologic variability and discuss implications to coastal restoration efforts targeting these species.
Moore S, Marshall DA, Sutor M, La Peyre M. 2019. Quantifying reproductive output in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. CERF Meeting, Nov 8-12, Mobile AL.	November 2019	Eastern oysters form a vital part of east coast and Gulf of Mexico estuarine ecosystems. In Louisiana, where oysters support a large commercial industry, and form the basis of extensive coastal restoration projects, declining production trends have resulted in concerns about population sustainability. Oyster demography (i.e., how many large oysters) and environmental conditions influence reproductive capacity, which is essential for sustainable oyster populations. This study aims to examine the
Mize G, Coxe N, La Peyre MK, La Peyre JF. 2022. Effects of hypoxia and ploidy on mortality of eastern oysters. Benthic Ecology Meeting, Delaware March 29-April 2 2022.	March 2022	As hypoxic events become more frequent in our coastal areas and estuaries, understanding effects on ecosystem engineers, such as the eastern oyster is critical. This study examined mortality of oysters when exposed to hypoxia, compared to normoxia, with greater than 50% mortality under hypoxia occurring in loess than 9 days.
Mendoza-Jones, F. and M.K. La Peyre. 2006. The effect of sediment addition from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana's wetland benthos. Ecological Society of America: Ecology in an Era of Globalization. Jan. 8-12, 2006. Merida Mexico	January 2006
Mendoza-Jones, F. and M.K. La Peyre. 2006. Response of the benthic salt marsh community to sediment addition. Restore AMerica's Estuaries 3rd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration. Dec. 10-13, 2006, New Orleans, LA.	December 2006
Megan K La Peyre, E.R. Hillmann, K.E. DeMarco*, B. Couvillion, S. Brown, J.A. Nyman. 2016. Potential impacts of changing environmental conditions on overall submerged aquatic vegetation resources: food and habitat availability for dependent fish and wildlife. SEAFWA Meeting. Oct. 16-18, Baton Rouge, LA	October 2016	This work summarizes 4 years of data collection on a large scale study of SAV distribution across coastal marshes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These data are being used to build carrying capacity models for waterfowl, and to map SAV distribution within coastal marsh.
McGraw KA, La Peyre ML. 2019. Mollusk restoration - an overview and introduction to the session. National Shellfisheries Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA. March 7-11, 2019.	March 2019	This presentation provides an overview of the current state of mollusk restoration around the globe.
McCracken, K. G., J. Harshman, D. A. McClellan, and A. D. Afton. 1999. Data set incongruence and correlated character evolution in stifftail ducks and other diving ducks. Guest Lecture, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.	July 1999
Marshall DA, Moore S, Perez A, Sutor M, La Peyre J, La Peyre M. 2019. Using oyster fecundity and reproductive capacity to assess individual and metapopulation sustainability and restoration success. CERF Meeting, Nov 8-12, 2019, Mobile, AL.	November 2019	Information on the relationships between oyster density, sex ratio, and reproductive capacity may be a useful measure to assess individual project restoration success, to identify system-wide reproductive capacity, to inform broodstock reef placement, or used in cost-benefit analyses using reproductive capacity as a function of dollars spent on restoration.
MacCluskie, M.C., A.D. Afton, and M.G. Anderson. 1999. The decline of breeding scaup: analysis of survey transects in the boreal forest and similar species. 117th Meeting of the American Ornithologists Union, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 8-14 August, 1999.	August 1999
M.K. La Peyre and B. Piazza. 2009. Development of nekton indicators for evaluating the effects of coastal restoration on nekton communities. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Portland, OR, Nov 1-5.	January 2009	Development of nekton indicators for evaluating the effects of coastal restoration on nekton communities.
Luukkonen, B, Winterstein, S, Hayes, J, Coluccy, D, Fowler, P, Lavretsky, B, O’Neal, A, Shipley, and J Simpson. 2024. Great Lakes mallard movements and population dynamics. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research evaluates factors influencing season movements and population change in mallards with the Great Lake States. Results from this research can inform regional habitat management, conservation planning, and harvest management.
Luukkonen, B, Winterstein, S, Hayes, D, Fowler, D, and P. Lavretsky. 2023. Great Lakes mallard genetics and movement ecology. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Louisville KY 5 – 9 November 2023.	November 2023	This research evaluates the influence of differential genotypes on movement, habitat selection, and population demography of Great Lakes mallards. Data suggest that approximately half of sampled Great Lakes mallards had hybridized genotypes.
Lowe, M, Sehlinger, T, La Peyre, M, Soniat, T. 2016 Environmental Drivers of Eastern Oyster Population Dynamics in Louisiana: what can “biggish” data tell us? Restore America's Estuaries. New Orleans, LA. Dec 2016.	December 2016	This work is using over 20 years of data collected by the state wildlife and fish agency to develop growth and mortality parameters for local oyster populations. This region has never had accurate oyster growth models because models have always been based on east coast and northern populations.
Loh, Ai Ning, La Peyre, M.K. submitted as session topic. Ocean Pollution: The Gulf of Mexico as a case study. ASLO, 2014.	April 2014	This is a proposal to jointly chair a session at the upcoming ASLO meeting. The session would focus on Gulf of Mexico pollution, and restoration techniques.
Logarbo JR, Rossi R, La Peyre MK, Roberts BJ. 2020. Examining potential drivers of gulf ribbed mussel distribution in southeast Louisiana. Gulf Estuarine Research Society Meeting, Nov 16-18, 2020.	November 2020	This presents research exploring the distribution and environmental associations of the gulf ribbed mussel. This species occurs southeast marshes and associated in a mutually beneficial interaction with coastal marsh vegetation productivity.
Logarbo J, Rossi R, La Peyre MK, Roberts BJ. 2019. Enhancing living shoreline restoration practices using native ecosystem engineers: Geukensia granosissima and Spartina alterniflora. CERF Meeting, Nov 8-12, 2019, Mobile, AL.	November 2019	Louisiana's coast is rapidly eroding due to multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors. To slow land loss, restoration efforts such as living shorelines have shown value in efforts to maintain marsh health. Our results provide insight into the direct effect of the mussels on shoreline strength and stability and if these effects are density dependent. Understanding the dynamic relationship between G. granosissima and S. alterniflora is a critical precursor to the use of ribbed mussels for shor
Llewellyn, C and MK La Peyre. 2008. Examining blue crab stable-isotope signatures as indicators of marsh equivalence in created and reference marshes. Society for Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Washington DC. May 29-June3, 2008.	May 2008
Llewellyn, C and M. La Peyre. 2008. Examinign blue crab stable-isotope signatures as indicators of marsh equivalence in created and reference marshes. American Fisheries Society, Lousiana Mtg. Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2008.	January 2008
Llewellyn, C and M La Peyre. 2008. Examining blue crab stable-isotope signatures as indicators of marsh equivalence in created and reference marshes. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists. Lafayette Louisiana, Aug. 14-15, 2008.	August 2008
Lipford, A., Moran, L., J.A. Nyman, and S.L. King. 2022. Assessing the value of created marshes for wetland birds in southeast Louisiana. Gulf Estuarine Research Society Annual Meeting, Ocean Springs, MS.	October 2022	Louisiana is spending about $50 billion to restore their coasts. This study evaluates the suitability of restored coastal marshes for secretive marshbirds.
Lipford, A., L.L.K. Moran, J.A. Nyman, and S.L. King. 2023. If you build it, will they come? Assessing habitat quality for birds at created marshes in southeastern Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA.	June 2023	Louisiana is projected to spend up to $50 billion on coastal restoration in the coming years. This study evaluates the effects of coastal restoration efforts on the presence and abundance of secretive marshbirds within five hydrologic basins in coastal Louisiana.
Lipford, A., L. Moran, J.A. Nyman, and S.L. King. 2022. If you build it, will they come? Assessing habitat quality for birds at created marshes in southeastern Louisiana. Waterbirds Society Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX.	November 2022	Over $50 billion is planned on being spent for restoration of Louisiana's coastal marshes. In this study, we compare secretive marshbird numbers, hydrology, and vegetation among restored and natural marshes to identify key factors to improve coastal restoration for secretive marshbirds.
Lipford, A., J. Youtz, L. Moran, J.A. Nyman, and S.L. King. 2021. Assessing the value of created marshes for wetland birds in southeast Louisiana. Abstract for annual meeting of The Waterbird Society (virtual).	November 2021	Marsh creation is an expensive and widespread strategy to improve coastal habitat for waterbirds. Our research provides an assessment of avian species richness in created versus natural marshes in coastal Louisiana.
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Habitat use, movements, and survival of female mallards in southwestern Louisiana. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.	December 2006
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Use of habitats by female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. 5th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Toronto, ON, Canada.	August 2009
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Use of habitats by female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. 2009 Fall Symposium, Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, Lafayette, LA	August 2009
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Survival and cause-specific mortality of female mallards in southwestern Louisiana. 5th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Toronto, ON, Canada.	August 2009
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Survival and cause-specific mortality of female mallards in southwestern Louisiana. 2009 Fall Symposium, Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, Lafayette, LA	August 2009
Link, P. T., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Habitat use and survival of female mallards in southwestern Louisiana: preliminary results. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologist, Fall Symposiu, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.	August 2006
Link, P. T., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2007. Habitat use, movements, and survival of female mallards in southwestern Louisiana. Fourth Ark-La-Miss Wildlife Management Symposium, Ruston, Louisiana, USA.	February 2007
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2012. Use of habitats by female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. 2012 State of the Coast Conference, New Orleans, LA.	June 2012	The results suggest that freshwater marsh is important to Mallards, and waterfowl managers may want to consider this marsh type in their restoration and management efforts.
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2012. Daily movements of female mallards wintering in southwestern Louisiana. 2012 State of the Coast Conference, New Orleans, LA.	June 2012	Female Mallards moved short distances between diurnal and nocturnal sites (ranging from 3.1 to 15.0 km by land management category), suggesting that they are able to meet their daily energy requirements within a smaller area than Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), and thus minimize transit energy costs.
Liner S., Roberts B., La Peyre M. 2023. Can gulf ribbed mussels augment coastal restoration project sin a world of climate change? State of the Coast. June 2023. New Orleans, LA. ORAL	June 2023	This experimental field project examined the effects of sea level rise on the interaction of ribbed mussels and marsh productivity. Ribbed mussels are hypothesized to enhance nutrients to enhance marsh productivity, but it is not clear at what point sea level rise may negate any of these effects.
Liner S, Lavaud R, La Peyre J, La Peyre MK, Roberts B. Tolerance of the gulf ribbed mussel to chronic and acute thermal stress. GERS 2022 Biennial Meeting, Gulfport MS	October 2022	We test the effects of thermal stress on mortality of a key saltmarsh species, the gulf ribbed mussel.
LeBlanc, SC, Rossi R, Roberts BJ, La Peyre MK. 2020. Development and sustainability of ecosystem services for restored oyster reefs in Louisiana. Gulf Estuarine Research Society Meeting, Nov 16-18, 2020.	November 2020	This research examines the 11 year trajectory of restored oyster reefs, and quantifies their water filtration capacity, and impact on adjacent shoreline erosion. The work is one of the few studies to examine long-term impacts and sustainability of a restoration project.
Lavaud, R., M. La Peyre, C. Bacher, s. Casas Liste, J. La Peyre. 2015 Quantifying physiological response of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to regional environmental variability using the Dynamic Energy Budget Theory . National Shellfisheries Association 103rd Annual Meeting. Monterey CA	March 2015	This work describes a set of physiological experiments with the eastern oyster to derive parameters necessary for developing energy budgets.
Lavaud, R., M. La Peyre, C. Bacher, J. La Peyre. 2015. How to include the effect of salinity on the physiological response of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, in a Dynamic Energy Budget Model? 2015 Dynamic Energy Budget Symposium, April 26-28, Marseille, France	April 2015	This work examines two possible ways to incorporate salinity into dynamic energy budget models. This is important and novel for DEB theory development, and would provide a means to account for variation in salinity from climate change to be accounted for in species models.
Lavaud, R., La Peyre, M., Justic, D., Wang, L., Bacher, C., La Peyre, J. Predicting potential growth of oysters in the Barataria Bay (Louisiana, USA) through a Dynamic Energy Budget model under scenarios of climate change and river management. State of the Coast, Louisiana, June 2016.	June 2016	A dynamic energy budget model of the eastern oyster is coupled with a hydrodynamic model for Barataria Bay, LA to examine oyster production under scenarios of wet, dry and average years.
Lavaud, R., La Peyre, M, Justic, D., Wang, L, Bacher, C and La Peyre J. Predicting potential growth of oysters in the Barataria Bay (Louisiana, USA) using outputs from a hydrodynamic model under scenarios of climate change and river management. Abstract for International Society of Ecological Modeling Meeting, May 2016.	May 2016	This work uses a DEB oyster model with salinity included, couples it to outputs from a hydrodynamic water model to test various scenarios of climate change and water management on oyster production through one of Louisiana's important oyster areas.
Lancaster, J. D., J. B. Davis, R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and E. Penny. 2011. WMA use, habitat use, and survival of radio-marked mallards in the Mississippi Delta. Mississippi Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Louisville, MS.	October 2011
Lancaster, J. D., J. B. Davis, R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and E. Penny. 2011. Habitat selection and survival of radio-marked mallards on hunted and sanctuary wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Southeastern Natural Resources Graduate Student Symposium, Starkville, MS.	March 2011
Lancaster, J. D., J. B. Davis, R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and E. J. Penny. 2013. Survival and habitat selection of female mallards in Mississippi. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study estimates survial and evaluates factors affecting survival and habitat use of radio-marked female mallards in the Mississippi River Delta. Results will enhance understanding of mallard winter ecology and identify selected habitats that may promote survival of mallards in Mississippi.
Lancaster, J. D., J. B. Davis, R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and E. J. Penny. 2013. Habitat use and habitat specific survival of female mallards in the Mississippi Delta. 2013 Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Jackson, MS.	September 2013	The study provides information on habitat use and survial of female mallards in the Mississippi Delta region. The information will be useful in helping wildlife managers provide optimal habitat for wintering ducks in the region.
Lancaster J.D., J. B. Davis, R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, and E. J. Penny. 2013. Winter survival, habitat selection, and patterns of WMA use by female mallards in Mississippi. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Annual Research Summit, Mississippi State, MS.	February 2013	Research results were reported to cooperating agency to assist their management of WMAs.
La Peyre, Megan K. September 2001. Exploring integrated models of wetland management. Coastal Ecology Institute Seminar Series, Louisiana State University.	September 2001
La Peyre, MK. 2016. Session Moderator. Abundance, distribution and ecosystem functions of submerged aquatic vegetation in coastal Louisiana. State of the Coast, June 2016, New Orleans, LA.	June 2016	This abstract is to moderate a session that includes presentations on the latest research on submerged aquatic vegetation resources in coastal Louisiana. A previously un examined habitat type, this information is critical to Louisiana master plan for coastal restoration.
La Peyre, MK, Lowe, M., Hanke, M., Pollack, J. Understanding eastern oyster reef dynamics for improved restoration and management. Restore America's Estuaries. Dec. 12-16, New Orleans, LA.	December 2016	This brings together east and gulf coast researchers to discuss work related to recent oyster population modeling, impacts of climate change on oysters, and associated fisheries.
La Peyre, MK, L. Schwarting. Spatial and temporal development of living shoreline oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. National Shellfisheries Association Mtg. 2014	March 2014	This work provides data from 4 years of work tracking development of reef sustainability and associated services at 3 separate living shoreline projects.
La Peyre, MK, Hillmann ER, DeMarco, KE, Couvillion B, Brown S, Nyman JA. 2016. Potential impacts of changing environmental conditions on overall submerged aquatic vegetation resources: food and habitat availability for dependent fish and wildlife. SEAFWA, Baton Rouge, LA	October 2016	This presents a broad overview of SAV resources across the gulf coast and discusses implications in changing environmental drivers for fish and wildlife dependent on these SAV resources.
La Peyre, MK, B Gossman, C. Llewellyn, B. Piazza and J. Gordon. 2008. Determining coastal restoration success: indicators of nekton functional support. AMerican Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Ottawa Canada Oct. 19-21 2008.	August 2008
La Peyre, M.K., T. Birdsong, S. Kanouse, C. Thom and B. Gossman. 2005. Essential fish habitats: re-defining habitat types. Coastal Zone 2005, July 15-22, New Orelands, LA	July 2005
La Peyre, M.K., T. Birdsong, C. Bush, S. Kanouse, and B. Piazza. 2004. Conserving and Protecting Coastal Habitats: Evaluation of Potential Management Strategies. Next steps in the Gulf of Mexico; Response of U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy Recommendations. July 7-8, College Station, TX.	July 2004
La Peyre, M.K., D.Cahoon, R.Greco, S.Hartley, and J. Johnston. 2001. OCS-related pipelines and canals in the northern Gulf of Mexico: impacts and mitigation effectiveness. Coastal Zone 2001, Cleveland, OH. July 16-20.	July 2001
La Peyre, M.K., A. Volety, A. Nickens and J. La Peyre. 2001. Potential for freshets to eliminate the protozoan pathogen Perkinsus marinus in eastern oysters: an initial laboratory experiment. 16th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation. St. Petersburg, FL. Nov. 4-8, 2001.	November 2001
La Peyre, M.K., A. Huprhies, S. Casas Liste and J. La Peyre. Temporal variation in development of ecological services in response to oyster reef restoration in Louisiana Benthic Ecology Meeting 42nd	March 2013	Restoration ecology generally assumes creation of fully functioning systems, but rarely pays attention to the timeframe. This discusses three key services expected from oyster reef restorations and using field data demonstrates the different time periods over which services may be expected.
La Peyre, M.K. and J.A. Nyman. 2005. Effects of terraces on nekton and SAV. Symposium for reserachers for Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife REfuge Complex. Lake Charles, LA March 30.	March 2005
La Peyre, M.K. and A. Humphries. 2010. Effects of shoreline reef creation on edge erosion, marsh resilience and nekton community assemblages in Louisiana. International Conference on Shellfish Restoration, Charleston, SC. Nov 2010	November 2010
La Peyre, M.K. 2006. Finding meaningful biological metrics for fishery habitat: interpreting restoration success in coastal Louisiana. Monitoring Estuarine Restoration Workshop. Restore America's Estuaries 3rd Naitonal COnference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration. Dec. 10-13, 2006, New Orleans, LA	December 2006
La Peyre, M.K. 2005. Wetland restoration: consideration of habitat structure for nekton. Society for WEtland Scientists Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC June 5-10.	June 2005
La Peyre, M.K. 2001. Shell reef restoration: opportunities for estuarine restoration. Coastal and Estuarine Wetland Restoration in the New Millenium: Improving Effectiveness. National Symposium and Workshop. Institute for Wetland Science and Public Policy, Association of State Wetland Managers. Baton Rouge, LA. June 19-21.	June 2001
La Peyre, M.K. 2001. Fishing for habitat links: an overview of fish habitat literature. Women in Natural Resources, Baton Rouge Group. Baton Rouge, LA, March 7, 2001.	March 2001
La Peyre, M.K. 2001. Fisheries and habitat research: setting a joint research and management agenda. Louisiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Baton Rouge, LA February 8-9, 2001.	February 2001
La Peyre, M.K. 2001. Essential fish habitat: building evidence for the value of diverse coastal habitats. Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. May 4, 2001	May 2001
La Peyre, M., Schwarting-Miller, L. and Miller., S. 2015. Suitability of oyster restoration reefs sites along the Louisiana Gulf coast: importance of multi-year and site data to understand factors affecting reef sustainability	November 2015	This pulls data from multiple projects over a 6 year time frame to identify environmental and location specific factors that are related to reef sustainability and provision of ecosystem services.
La Peyre, M., S. Casas and J. La Peyre. 2005. Salinity effects on three Perkinsus spps viability, metabolic activity adn cellular proliferation. National Shellfisheries Association Annual Meeting, April 10-14, 2005. PHiladelphia, PA.	April 2005
La Peyre, M., B. Gossman and J. La Peyre. 2008. Effects of freshwater diversions: an experimental determination of the effects of freshets on the oyster parasite, Perkinsus marinus, and its host, Crassostrea virginica. National Shellfisheries Association Mtg, Providence RI, April 6-10 2008	April 2008
La Peyre, M, B. Gossman and B. Piazza. 2007. Effects of thin-layer sediment addition on marsh restoration. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Providence Rhode Island, Oct 8-12, 2007.	October 2007
La Peyre MK. 2019. Using conservation and restoration activities to understand foundation species - a tale of two biogenic habitats. CERF Meeting. Nov 8-12, 2019, Mobile, AL.	November 2019	Distribution and sustainability of biogenic habitat relies on population success of its foundation species. Understanding these species population dynamics remains fundamental to conservation, restoration and management. This work ultimately contribute to improved species understanding, and enabled the development of models to assist in restoration, conservation and management of these biogenic habitats, and predict impacts of changing conditions.
La Peyre MK, Wang H. Swam, L., Perez C., Sable S., Carter B. 2023. Evaluation and models for representing habitat and oysters in Louisiana. State of the Coast. June, New Orleans, LA.	June 2023	This talk summarizes the current state of models available for oyster reef restoration and management, and identifies future needs. This work is being used to identify and fund key projects from RESTORE and NRDA funding targeted at oyster restoration.
La Peyre MK, Wang H, Sable S, Li B., Wu W., Bates M, Swam, L, Perez C, Couvillion B. 2023. Determining low salinity zones of intolerance based on salinity intensity and continuity thresholds for the easter oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Portland OR, Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	This work uses machine learning on fishery independent monitoring data and satellite environmental data to explore low salinity intensity and duration thresholds impacting eastern oyster abundances in Louisiana estuaries.
La Peyre MK, Schwarting Miller LS, Miller S., Melancon, E. 2016. Comparison of oyster populations, shoreline protection service and site characteristics at seven created fringing reefs in Louisiana: key parameters and responses to consider. Restore America's Estuaries. Dec 2016, New Orleans, LA	December 2016	We provide results and analyses of 7 restoration projects involving living shorelines in order to identify key factors to consider for future project success.
La Peyre MK, Aguilar D, Smith-Kyle, A. 2018. Filling a knowledge gap: using oyster ladders to understand the importance of inundation duration in successful living shorelines. State of the Coast, New Orleans, LA. May 30-June 1, 2018.	May 2018	This work seeks to identify how inundation time period affects both the development of living oyster communities, and protection of adjacent shoreline. Important in informing restoration efforts based on this approach, and predicting how sustainable these approaches will be under anticipated water level changes.
La Peyre MK, 2017. It all goes downstream: effects of altered riverine flow on an estuarine foundation species. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. September 2017	September 2017	This work ties into a special session considering the importance of water and water quality to wildlife, and their habitats. This provides a summary of work examining how altered flow upstream can affect a critical down estuary species.
Kroschel, and S.L. King. 2016. Bottomland hardwood tree species regeneration: seedling response to flood timing. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX.	June 2016	Species composition changes in bottomland hardwood forests from more desirable and more water tolerant tree species to less desirable and less water tolerant tree species are common place. This study is focused on understanding the potential role of regeneration processes in these changes.
Kroschel, W.A., and S.L. King. 2019. AN ANALYSIS OF SEEDLING DYNAMICS IN FLOODPLAINS OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.	May 2019	A greater understanding of bottomland hardwood regeneration dynamics is needed to understand how floodping patterns influence species composition in bottomland hardwood forests. We found that seeds of tree species germinate at different times, thus timing of floods can differentially affect seedling survival and may alter tree species composition through impacts on regeneration.
Kroschel, W.A., and S.L. King. 2018. Bottomland hardwood tree species regeneration: seedling response to flood timing. Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Denver, Colorado.	May 2018	Bottomland hardwoods, located along rivers and streams in the southern United States, are a key habitat for conservation of many species of wildlife. In this study, we evaluate the effects of hydrologic alterations on regeneration of bottomland hardwood trees.
Kroschel, W.A. and S.L. King. 2018. Bottomland hardwood tree species regeneration: seedling response to flood timing. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana.	August 2018	Hydrologic alterations of rivers have affected species composition in bottomland hardwood forests but the mechanisms of change are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluate the effects of timing of flooding on the species composition of tree seedlings.
Kroschel, W.A. and S. L. King. AN ANLYSIS OF SEEDLING DYNAMICS IN TWO HYDROLOGICALLY ALTERED LOUISIANA FLOODPLAINS. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico.	June 2017	Broad scale hydrologic alterations are common throughout the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. This research evaluates the effects of these alterations on bottomland hardwood forests.
King, SL and RF Keim. 2017. Draining the Swamp: water and the future of floodplain forests of the southeastern U.S. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM.	September 2016	Bottomland hardwoods are key focal habitat for the conservation of numerous wildlife species, however, flood control and groundwater declines are affecting forest compostion and tree growth. This paper identifies key research needs and strategies to address water issues in the southeastern U.S.
King, S.L., W. Harrell, E. Smith, and J.A. Nyman. 2017. The role of fire in the management of Whooping Crane habitats. 7th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress, Orlando, FL.	November 2017	Whooping Cranes are federally endangered species that utilize a variety of habitats for breeding, wintering, and stopover. Fire is an important management strategy for sustaining these habitats and this paper summarizes what is known about fire and Whooping Cranes and identifies priority research needs.
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, P. Tashjian, J. Vradenburg, and L.H. Fredrickson. 2021. Opportunities and Constraints for Wetland Conservation in an Irrigated World. Society of Wetland Scientists 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.	June 2021	We review the effects of water law, agricultural economics, and farm policies on water use and wetland availability in the U.S. Our results identify numerous findings that may assist in the formulation of more effective farm and water policies.
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, J. Vradenburg, and L.H. Fredrickson. 2020. Rethinking wetland conservation in a water-scarce future. 2020 North American Crane Workshop, Lubbock, Texas.	January 2020	Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes utilize wetland habitats in many areas where water availbility is becoming limited. This study highlights this issue and provides suggestions on how to increase water security for key wetlands.
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, J. Vradenburg, and L.H. Fredrickson. 2019. Rethinking Wetland Conservation in a Water-Starved Future. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.	May 2019	Wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife are being stressed in many regions due to water conflicts. A greater understanding of economic incentives of water use is needed to guide wetland conservation efforts in the future.
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, J. Vradenburg, and L.H. Fredrickson. 2019. Rethinking Wetland Conservation in a Water-Starved Future. Presentation at the joint meeting of The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society. Reno, NV.	October 2019	Wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife, including many migratory waterbirds and endangered species, are core management targets for natural resource agencies. In this presentation, we explain how the future of these habitats and species are threatened by current water use and identify new approaches that need to be considered to sustain these systems and the species dependent upon them.
King, S.L., M. Laubhan, J. Vradenburg, and A. Henry. 2018. Arid Wetlands: Challenges and Opportunities. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado.	May 2018	Arid wetlands are dynamic and productive systems that provide habitat to many species, including numerous rare and endangered species. In this paper, we synthesize global challenges and opportunities for sustaining arid wetland systems.
King, S.L. 2020. Rice and waterbirds. Invited presentation virtual Sustainable Agriculture Summit.	November 2020	Rice is the most important agricultural crop for waterbirds globally, however, field and landscape habitat characteristics can affect use. In this presentation, we provide a synthesis of local and landscape management considerations to enhance waterbird use of rice fields.
King, S.L. 2019. Climatic, geomorphic, and hydrologic variability in wetlands. The Wildlife Society Workshop entitled "A Process-Based Approach to Wetland Management", Reno, Nevada.	September 2019	This workshop provided training for students, researchers, and resource management practitioners on how to manage wetlands. This presentation provided foundational hydrologic, climatic, and geomorphic principles that drive wetland ecosystem responses.
King, S.L. 2015 (invited). Whooping Cranes and the Endangered Species Act. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Annual Meeting, Baton Rouge, LA.	August 2015	This review provides a summary of the role of the endangered species act in habitat conservation and management.
King, S. L., and S. Linscombe. 2006 (invited). Changes in rice agriculture in southwestern Louisiana. USFWS King Rail Focal Species Workshop. Memphis, TN.	November 2006
King, S. L., and R. Keim. 2011. Catahoula Lake Wetland Issues. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Public Hearing, Invited speaker. Jena, Louisiana.	August 2011
King, S. L., and J. A. Nyman. 2007 (invited). Integrating wildlife ecology into wetlands ecology courses. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Sacramento, California.	June 2007
King, S. L., J. Linscombe, and P. Bowman. 2007 (invited). Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to Louisiana: habitat evaluation of White Lake and Marsh Island. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting, Lafayette, Louisiana.	August 2007
King, S. L., J. Linscombe, and P. Bowman. 2007 (invited). Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to Louisiana.	August 2007
King, S. L., J. A. Nyman, and A. R. Pierce. 2006. Assessment of Whooping Crane habitat needs at White Lake, Louisiana: historic conditions and current questions. North American Crane Conference, Zacatecas, Mexico. (poster; contributed)	February 2006
King, S. L., C. S. Elphick, D. Guadagnin, and O. Taft. 2007 (invited). Effects of landscape management on waterbird use of rice fields. Annual meeting of the Waterbird Society. Barcelona, Spain	November 2007
King, S. L., B. Strader, D. Twedt, and R. Wilson. 2006 (invited by session chair). Development of restoration guidelines for floodplain forests of the Mississippi River Valley. 91st Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Memphis, TN. (invited; by session chair)	August 2006
King, S. L., A. Pierce, K. Hersey, and N. Winstead. 2008. Migration patterns of sandhill cranes wintering in central and southwestern Louisiana. North American Crane Conference, Wisconsin Dells, WI.	September 2008
King, S. L. and K. Ribbeck. 2006 (invited). Restoration and Management Recommendations for Bottomland Hardwoods in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Lower Mississippi River Valley Ecosystem Team Meeting, Lafayette, Louisiana. (invited)	August 2006
King, S. L. and A. P. Pierce. 2005 (Invited). Effects of hydrologic and geomorphic alterations on bottomland hardwood forests. USFWS Lower Mississippi River Valley Ecosystem Team Meeting, Stuttgart, Arkansas.	August 2005
King, S. L. 2012. Restoration of Whooping Cranes to Southwestern Louisiana. Louisiana State University, Department of Coastal Studies, Wetland Restoration Class Lecture.	October 2012
King, S. L. 2012. Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to southwestern Louisiana. Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival, Port Aransas, Texas.	February 2012
King, S. L. 2012. Ecology and management of floodplain ecosystems. Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia	June 2012
King, S. L. 2012. Restoration of Whooping Cranes to Southwestern Louisiana. LSU Agricultural Center, Rice Experiment Station Field Day.	June 2012
King, S. L. 2012. Reintroduction of Whooping Cranes to Southwestern Louisiana. Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival, Port Aransas, Texas.	February 2012
King, S. L. 2006 (invited). King Rail Research in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. Lower Mississipppi River Valley Ecosystem Team Meeting, Lafayette, Louisiana.	August 2006
King, S. L. 2005 (Invited; plenary). Bottomland hardwood forests of the Southeastern United States. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
King, S. L. 2005 (Invited). Black Swamp Case Study. USGS Cooperative Research Units, All Hands Meeting. Jacksonville, Florida.	February 2005
King, S. L. 2004. Micro- and Macrotopography of Bottomland Hardwood Forests and the Response of Wetland Wildlife to Restoration. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
King, S. L. 2010. Climate Change, cranes, and temperate floodplain ecosystems. 2010 International Crane Workshop, Muraviovoka Park, Russia.	May 2010
King, S. L. 2009. Rice, crawfish, and waterbirds: The annual cycle. Working Wetland Initiative Meeting, LSU AgCenter Rice Experiment Station, Crowley, Louisiana.	July 2009	Rice is an important agricultural crop in southwestern Louisiana and is heavily utilized by waterbirds. This paper explains the types of rice management practices that best benefit waterbirds.
King, S. L. 2009. Potential reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in Louisiana: Issues and opportunities. Rivers and Wildlife Celebration, Kearney, Nebraska.	September 2008
King, S. L, and S. Linscombe. 2006 (invited). Future of rice production in Southwestern Louisiana. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting. Lafayette, Louisiana.	August 2006
Keim R.F., J.L. Chambers, W.H. Conner, J.W. Day Jr., S.P. Faulkner, E.S. Gardiner, M.S. Hughes, S.L. King, K.W. McLeod, C.A. Miller, J.A. Nyman, and G.P. Shaffer. 2006. Ecological consequences of changing hydrological conditions in wetland forests of coastal Louisiana. American Institute of Hydrology. International Conference on Challenges in Coastal Hydrology and Water Quality. May 21?24, 2006. Baton Rouge. (invited)	May 2006
Kanouse, S.C., J.A. Nyman and M.K. La Peyre. 2003. Fish growth and habitat importance. 2003 Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Seattle, WA. Sept. 15-19, 2003.	September 2003
Kanouse, S., La Peyre, M. and Nyman, J.A. 2003. Nekton use and growth in brackish marsh habitats. Estuarine Research FEderation Intl meeting. SEattle, WA.	September 2003
Kang, S.R., and S.L. King. 2014. Whooping Crane prey assemblage in a coastal marsh system: Implications for wetland wildlife management. The 6th East Asian Federation of Ecological Societies International Congress,Haikou, China.	April 2014	South Korea, and Asia in general, have little background in applied wetland concepts. This study provides information on the effects of hydrology, vegetation, and season on food availability for waterbirds and can serve as a foundation for the development of coastal marsh management and restoration concepts in this region.
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2008. Whooping Crane food availability in different marsh types. The 32nd Annual Waterbirds Society Meeting. South Padre Island, Texas.	November 2008	Identified important food resources for Whooping Cranes
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 2011 (October). Effects of hydrological connectivity and environmental variables on nekton community structure of a coastal marsh system. Society of Wetland Scientists (South Central Chapter), Lafayette, LA.	October 2011
Kang, S. R., and S. L. King. 08/2008. Whooping Crane food availability in different marsh types. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting, Lafayette, LA. (poster)	August 2008
Kang, S. R., S. L. King, and J. Linscombe. 2010. Effects of salinity on survival rate of aquatic macroinvertebrates of a Louisiana freshwater marsh. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Annual Meeting, Lafayette, LA.	August 2010
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2005. Snow geese wintering in southwest Louisiana use two distinct habitats: is there evidence for separate populations? 11th North American Arctic Goose Conference, Reno, NV.	January 2005
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Behavior of snow and Ross's geese wintering in southwest Louisiana. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Fall Symposium, Lafayette, Louisiana, 21-22 August 2003.	August 2003
Johnston, James, Cahoon, D., Hartley, L., M. La Peyre and J. Barras. 2003. Coastal Wetland Impacts - OCS Canal Widening Rates and Effectiveness of OCS Pipeline Canal Mitigation. Minerals Management Service Information Transfer Meeting. January 14-16, 2003. Kenner, LA.	January 2003
Johnston, J., D. Cahoon, M. La Peyre, P. Hensel and T. McGinnis. 2005. OUter Continental Shelf Pipeline and Navigation Canal Impacts and Mitigation Effects on Wetland Habitats of Coastal Western adn Central Gulf of Mexico. MMS 23rd Interagency Technical Meeting, Kenner, LA	January 2005
Jiang, H., J. H. Harris, S.L.King, and J.N. Vradenburg. 2018. Managing wetlands in the West Songnen Plain of northeast China: Challenges and Opportunities. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting.	May 2018	Wetlands of northeast China provide critical habitat for numerous endangered waterbirds, but are under severe developmental pressure compounded by a highly variable climate. Our work describes collaborative international efforts to improve wetland management capacity and the evaluation of wetland management techniques to improve habitat conditions.
James B. Johnston, Lawrence Handley, Donald R. Cahoon, and Megan K. La Peyre. 2002. Coastal Wetland Impacts: OCS Canal Widening Rates and Effectiveness of OCS Pipeline Mitigation. Minerals Management Service, Information Transfer Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Jan. 8-10, 2002.	January 2002
Jaegge A, La Peyre MK, Casas S, La Peyre J, Stauffer B. 2019. Restoration induced changes to phytoplankton communities: do cyanobacteria affect oyster feeding and selectivity? Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Mobile AL Nov 2-8, 2019.	November 2019	Phytoplankton serve as vital components of Louisiana's aquatic ecosystems. We investigated trophic impacts of a shift to cyanobacteria using a non-toxic strain of the primarily freshwater cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).
J. Gordon and M.K. La Peyre. Habitat measures associated with fish species assemblages and non-game fish species of conservation concern in natural and managed submerged aquatic vegetation and marsh edge habitats in coastal Louisiana. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Portland, OR, Nov 1-5.	November 2009
Humphries, E. M., J. L. Peters, K. E. Omland, J. E. Jonsson, and A. D. Afton. 2005. Phylogenetics and phylogeography of the white goose complex, Genus Chen: is mother goose spinning a new tale? Joint meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society and Association of Field Ornithologists, Beltsville, MD.	April 2005
Humphries, E. M., J. L. Peters, J. E. Jonsson, A. D. Afton, and K. E. Omland. 2004. Phylogenetics and phylogeography of the white goose complex, Genus Chen: is mother goose spinning a new tale? Annual meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union and Society of Canadian Ornithologists, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada; 16-21 August 2004.	August 2004
Humphries, A. and M.K. La Peyre. 2010. Habitat structural complexity alters the refuge value of created eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. Jan 3-7, 2010.	January 2010
Honig, A., J. Supan, M. La Peyre. POPULATION ECOLOGY OF THE RIBBED MUSSEL, GEUKENSIA GRANOSSISSIMA, IN SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA. NSA March 2014.	March 2014	This work documents the distribution and population density of the gulf ribbed mussel in the gulf coast. As bivalves are important to water quality enhancement and shoreline integrity, understanding their basic ecology is important.
Honig, A, J. Supan, M. La Peyre. SEASONAL GAMETOGENESIS OF THE RIBBED MUSSEL, GEUKENSIA GRANOSISSIMA. NSA March 2014	March 2014	This work documents the reproductive cycle of the gulf ribbed mussel along a salinity gradient for the first time. THis is important basic information regarding life history of a key bivalve species.
Honig A, J. Supan, M. La Peyre. Recruitment, growth, mortality and density of the ribbed mussel in relation to salinity, vegetation density and flooding rate in southeastern Louisiana. Benthic Ecology 42nd Mtg.	March 2013	This work examines recruitment, growth, mortality and density of ribbed mussels in relation to salinity and vegetation in Louisiana. Since the mussel is not economically important, it is being considered as a potential tool to aid in shoreline stabilization, understanding where it is distributed is important.
Hongqing Wang1, Jim Chen2, Megan La Peyre1, 3, Jerome La Peyre3, Julie Anderson3, Kelin Hu2, Gary Decossas3, and Lindsay Schwarting3. 2014 Predicting the Impacts of River Diversion and Sea-level Rise on Eastern Oyster Growth and Production State of the Coast Conference, New Orleans, LA March 2014.	March 2014	This work involves a coupled hydrodynamic and oyster population model that will enable managers to predict the effects of different management scenarios on oyster grounds.
Hillmann, ER, V. Rivera-Monroy, MK La Peyre. 2016. Long-term carbon storage of submerged aquatic vegetation beds across the salinity zone within deltaic estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico. State of the Coast, June 1-3, 2016, New Orleans, LA.	June 2016	This work quantifies blue carbon within submerged aquatic beds across the salinity gradient. Given increased focus on the ability of natural environments to sequester carbon, this research fills a huge gap in our understanding of how all coastal aquatic vegetation contribute to this storage capacity.
Hillmann, ER, Rivera-Monroy, VH, La Peyre MK. 2016. Carbon sotrage in submerged aquatic vegetation beds across salinity gradients within coastal Louisiana deltaic estuaries. RAE Dec. 12-16, 2016. New Orleans, LA	December 2016	This is the first work to compare carbon sequestration rates of aquatic vegetation along an estuarine salinity gradient.
Hillmann, E.R., V. Rivera Monroy, M.K. La Peyre. 2017. Estuarine submerged aquatic vegetation beds provide significant carbon storage in deltaic environments Coastal Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Rhode Island.	November 2017	We quantify blue carbon storage in submerged aquatic vegetation beds. This work documents significant blue carbon storage in non-seagrass aquatic vegetation areas, suggesting the need to expand estimates beyond seagrass beds.
Hillmann, E., Rivera-Monroy, V., La Peyre. M. 2017. Submerged aquatic vegetation habitat sequesters organic carbon. Louisiana Agriculture Magazine. Winter 2017.	October 2017	This presents a summary of our work quantifying organic carbon stock held within submerged aquatic vegetation habitat within Louisiana. These estimates are the first to contribute blue carbon numbers accounting for SAV habitats.
Hillmann, E, DeMarco, K, La Peyre, M. 2015. Environmental drivers of seasonal variability in coastal marsh pond SAV communities along a salinity gradient in Barataria basin, Louisiana, U.S.A. State of the Coast, Louisiana. June 2016	June 2016	This work examines intraannual variability of SAV resources in Barataria Bay , LA. The SAV data are examined in relation to variation in daily salinity, temperature and water level data.
Hillmann, E, DeMarco, K, La Peyre, M. 2015. Predicted effects of climate change will change the spatial distribution of dominant SAV biomass resources in shallow, estuarine waters along the northern Gulf of Mexico. 6th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, November 1-4, 2015	November 2015	This work presents preliminary data on SAV distribution across coastal marsh communities in the nGoM. This is the first week to quantify SAV biomass in coastal marsh ponds, and to analyze environmental drivers of biomass.
Hamilton, S.G., S. L. King, and Russo, G D. 2014. Effect of hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetative conditions on avian communities in the Middle Rio Grande. Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Portland, Oregon.	May 2014	Water shortages due to irrigation and urban withdrawals result in significant conflicts among endangered species and water users in the Middle Rio Grande. This study examines the relationships among hydrology, geomorphology, vegetation, and avian communities and will inform a decision support tool designed to improve water allocation decisions in the region.
Guo, Z., S.L. King, and R.F. Keim. 2023. The Effects of Woody Plant Encroachment on Precipitation Interception in Coastal Prairie of Texas. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA.	June 2023	Woody encroachment into grasslands is a global issue, including into tallgrass prairie in coastal Texas. In this study, we compare hydrologic processes within sites with woody vegetation and those without to better understand ecohydrological impacts of encroachment on water availability.
Guay, P.-J., T. Chesser, D. C. Paton, A. D. Afton, R. Mulder, and K. G. McCracken. 2006. Phylogeography of the musk duck (Bizura lobata). 24th International Ornithological Congress, Hamburg, Germany.	August 2006
Greenawalt, A.,T, Riecke, D.N. Fowler, and B. Sedinger. Do harvest regulations, wood duck abundance, and hunter effort affect wood duck hunting mortality in the Great Lakes states? Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Spokane, Washington, 6-10 November 2022.	November 2022	This research estimates regional wood duck abundance in the Great Lakes states using band-recovery and harvest data and relates survival and harvest rates to abundance and hunting regulations. This work improves understanding of regional abundance and the relationship between harvest, abundance, and survival.
Gray, J. M., and A. D. Afton. 2008. Update on gadwall telemtry research in Louisiana. Annual state meeting of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Lafayette, LA.	July 2008
Gray, J. M., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Habitat use of female gadwall that winter along the Gulf Coast. 5th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Toronto, ON, Canada.	August 2009
Gray, J. M., and A. D. Afton. 2009. Habitat use of female gadwall that winter along the Gulf Coast. 2009 Fall Symposium, Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, Lafayette, LA	August 2009
Graham, S.P., S.L.King, and J.A. Nyman. 2019. Managing coastal marsh impoundments for vertical accretion in the face of sea level rise. Coastal Estuarine and Research Federation Annual Meeting, Mobile, AL.	November 2019	Waterfowl management in coastal systems frequently involves impounding, flooding, and drying marshes which can lead to oxidation of organic carbon and loss of elevation. This study will quantify the long-term effects of marsh management on marsh elevation changes at Rockefeller Refuge in Louisiana.
Gossman, B.< M. La Peyre and J.A. Nyman. 2005. Nekton use of terraced and unterraced marsh habitats in coastal Louisiana. Coastal Zone 2005, July 15-22, New Orleans, LA.	July 2005
Gossman, B., M. La Peyre, and J.A. Nyman. 2005. Effect of terraces on nekton habitat. SWS/ERF REgional MEeting, March 31-April 2, 2005, Pensacola, FL	April 2005
Gossman, B., M. La Peyre and B. Piazza. 2006. Thin layer deposition of dredged material in coastal Louisiana: a survey and case study in brackish marsh. Restore AMerica's Estuaires 3rd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habiatat Restoration. Dec. 10-13, 2006. New Orleans, LA.	December 2006
Goodenough, K and D, Fowler. 2024. Spatiotemporal variation in space-use of mallard and northern pintails wintering in southwest Louisiana. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research evaluates factors that influence home-range size of wintering dabbling ducks in a highly modified coastal and agricultural system. Results from this study can be used to inform management strategies that may attempt to account for differences in energetic expenditure across different habitat use.
Gehrke, A, Ringelman, K. M., and D.N. Fowler. 2024. Factors influencing field selection by mallards and northern pintails within rice-crawfish dominated agriculture in southwest Louisiana. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research investigates factors that influence use and selection of diverse habitat types by dabbling ducks during winter within an agricultural landscape. Results from this study can be used to inform the nuanced conservation value of rice and crawfish production for overwintering waterfowl.
Gee, H. K. W., and S. L. King. 2010. The effects of hydrologic connectivity and topographic position on floodplain forest tree establishment	July 2010
Gee, H. K. W., and S. L. King. 08/2008. Tree establishment and growth patterns in a hydrologically disconnected floodplain. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Meeting, Lafayette, LA.	August 2008
Gee, H. K. W. and S. L. King. 2009. The effect of climate and river stage on tree growth in a hydrologically disconnected floodplain. The Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, 22-29 June, 2009, Madison, WI.	June 2009
Gee, H. K. W. and S. L. King. 2008 . Spatial and temporal dynamics of tree growth in two floodplain forests. Ivory Billed Woodpecker Research Symposium, Lafayette, LA. (contributed)	June 2008
Gayle, W., S. Casas, M. La Peyre and J. La Peyre. 2009. The combined effects of sub-optimal temperature and salinity on the viability of Perkinsus marinus, a protistan parasite of the eastern oyster Crassotrea virginica. National Shellfisheries Association Meeting, 101st Annual Meeting, March 19-25, Savannah, GA.	January 2009	suboptimal effects
From Physics to Oysters: An Integrated Modeling Huang H, D Justic, K Xu, J La Peyre, M La Peyre. Study of the Potential Impacts of Future Large Sediment Diversions on Louisiana Eastern Oyster. Louisiana Fisheries Summit. New Orleans, LA	March 2016	This work presents the plan for a study to couple hydrodynamic, sediment, water quality and oyster models. This model, which is a first for this region, will enable predictive modeling related to the impacts of restoration and climate change on oyster resources.
Fredrickson, L.H., M. K. Laubhan, K. Higgins, and S. L. King. 2016. A century of land management evolution: From guess work to complex decision-making in highly modified landscapes exhibiting extreme variability. 7th North American Duck Symposium, Annapolis, Maryland.	February 2016	This paper is part of a plenary that will discuss the evolution of waterfowl and wetlands research. We will also discuss important concepts that need to be addressed to insure maximum impact of future wetland and waterfowl research.
Fowler, D.N., S.L. King, D.C. Weindorf, and J. Vradenburg. 2018. Evaluating Abiotic Influences on Soil Salinity of Inland Managed Wetlands and Agricultural Croplands in a Semi-Arid Environment. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado	May 2018	In this study, we evaluated the effects of two common wildlife management practices, moist-soil management and agricultural crop production, on soil salinity processes at arid wetlands at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Our results indicated that both activities influenced salt concentrations, albeit in different ways, and combinations of treatments may be necessary to sustain high production over long periods.
Fowler, D. N., J. M. Winiarski, and K. A. Hobson. Evaluating natal / molt origins of non-banded ducks harvested in the northern Mississippi Flyway using stable isotope techniques. Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Waterfowl Symposium, Memphis, Tennessee, 4-6 October 2022.	October 2022	This research investigates differences in natal / molt origins of unmarked harvested waterfowl and compares harvest derivation to long-term band recovery data. Results from this research will improve understanding of waterfowl summer origins inform waterfowl conservation and management.
Fowler, D, N. and S. L. King. 2024. Levers and switches that influence the conservation value of rice agriculture for waterfowl and other wetland dependent birds. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research identifies diverse rice agricultural practices that result in variable conservation value for wetland dependent birds and explores drivers for management decisions. The results provide a nuanced understanding of the role of rice agriculture for wetland dependent birds.
Fowler, D, N. and S. L. King. 2023. Levers and switches that influence the conservation value of rice agriculture for wetland dependent birds. Annual Meeting, The Waterbird Society, Ft. Lauderdale FL, 9 - 13 October 2023.	October 2023	This research identifies diverse rice agricultural practices that result in variable conservation value for wetland dependent birds and explores drivers for management decisions. The results provide a nuanced understanding of the role of rice agriculture for wetland dependent birds.
Fowler, D, N. and S. L. King. 2023. A changing system: levers and switches that influence the role of rice agriculture for wetland dependent birds. Annual Meeting, Society of Wetland Scientists, Spokane WA, 27 - 30 June 2023.	June 2023	This presentation examines systematic changes to rice agricultural production along the Gulf Coastal plains, explores drivers for these changes, and assess how these changes may impact wetland-dependent birds. This review will help practitioners anticipate current and future challenges associated with bird conservation initiatives in an agricultural system.
Fowler, D, N, Masto, S Stemaly, A Keever, M Schummer, P Lavretsky, A Blake-Bradshaw, C, Highway, J, Feddersen, H, Hagy and B, Cohen. 2024. Integrating GPS telemetry and δ²H isoscapes to identify breeding ground fidelity and dispersal by mallards. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research evaluates new ways to assess breeding fidelity in migratory waterfowl by integrating satellite telemetry and stable isotopes. Results from this study could be used to identify broader breeding season behaviors across regions that may optimize banding and survey efforts by informing site and breeding fidelity and thus breeding season distributions.
Finger, T. A., M. L. Schummer, S. A. Petrie, A. D. Afton, M. L. Szymanski, and M. A. Johnson. 2013. Factors influencing spring migration chronology of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study examined and compared the influence of environmental variables on spring migration chronology of lesser scaup and mallards, species that differ markedly in timing of migration. The results may help improve breeding population survey techniques by developing correction factors to reduce potential bias in population estimates for late-migrating scaup.
Ferraro, E, Ringelman, K. M., and D.N. Fowler. 2024. Effects of Auditory Disturbance on Mallard and Northern Pintail Behavior in Southwest Louisiana. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research quantifies spatial and temporal variation in auditory disturbances on ducks marked with satellite telemetry devices in an agricultural landscape. Results from this research can inform decisions regarding the use and distribution of waterfowl sanctuary.
Fara, L, Beatty, W, Koneff, M, Fowler, D, Finger, T, Landolt, K, Finley, B, Ruhser, J, Gray, B, Houdek, S, Wright, A, and G, Marchel. 2024. Visibility correction factors for multiple species of waterfowl using an aerial remote sensing approach. 9^th North American Duck Symposium. Portland OR, 5 -9 February 2024.	February 2024	This research uses remote sensing to derive visibility correction factors for waterfowl counted via ocular surveys over water. Results from this research can be used to improve seasonal counts of migratory waterfowl that are difficult to quantify while in large groups over water.
Edwards, J.W., E.B. Webb, D.N. Fowler, P. Link and B. Leach. Environmental factors influencing blue-winged teal spring migration initiation and subsequent migratory movements. 9th North American Duck Symposium, Portland, Oregon. February 2024	February 2024	Spring migrations are an integral part of the annual cycle for most waterfowl species, thus we investigated the potential effects of several environmental factors on blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>) spring migration phenology during 2020 – 2023. We hypothesize that photoperiod will explain the greatest variation in migration initiation date, but there is limited research on other factors that may influence initiation from wintering grounds and subsequent migratory movements.
Eberline, Ben, M.K. La Peyre, J.F. la Peyre and T. Soniat. 2010. Populationdynamics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. International Conference on Shellfish Restoration. Charleston, SC NOv 2010	November 2010
Eberline, B., J.F. La Peyre, T.M. Soniat, M.K. La Peyre. 2011. Prolonged freshwater exposure and its immediate and long-term effects on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations in Breton Sound, Louisiana. American Fisheries Society Meeting, Sept. 6, 2011.	September 2011
Eberline, B., J.F. La Peyre, T.M. Soniat and M.K. La Peyre 2011. Effects of prolonged freshwater exposure on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations in a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary. National Shellfisheries Meeting, Baltimore, MD March 23-27.	March 2011
Durham, R. S., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Nesting ecology of mottled ducks on agricultural lands in southwestern Louisiana. Mottled Duck Banding, Management, and Research Workshop, Port Arthur, TX.	May 2000
Drake, V. L ., K. M. Ringelman, and D. N. Fowler. Development of an aerial waterfowl survey for northeastern Louisiana. Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Waterfowl Symposium, Memphis, Tennessee, 4-6 October 2022.	October 2022	This research evaluates optimal survey techniques to quantify wintering waterfowl in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Louisiana. This work will develop analytical tools to facilitate transect selection and population data summaries for use in future years by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
Dietl GP et al (28 authors). 2024. Integrating information from the past into oyster restoration. National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration. 2024.	March 2024	This reports on a large team effort involving managers, biologists, paleoecologists, archaeologists and historical ecologists assessing a range of data to assess eastern oyster long term trends.
Decossas, G., M. La Peyre. Influence of ENSO on Oyster Mortality in Selected Breton Sound Sites (1988-2011). NSA March 2014	March 2014	This work uses a 20 year dataset of oyster mortality and relates patterns of mortality to ENSO through its effects on salinity. The work highlights the need to incorporate climate into management models and planning.
DeMarco, KE, Hillmann, E, Nyman JA, La Peyre MK. 2016. Changing coastal salinities will affect submerged aquatic vegetation resources in the northern Gulf of Mexico. LDWF Research Symposium. May 31, 2016.	May 2016	This work presents two years of SAV and coastal seed data from Texas through MS. These data provide a critical baseline of data to understand what SAV resources exist, and what factors control their biomass and community.
DeMarco, KE, Hillmann, E and M La Peyre 2015. Changing coastal salinities will affect submerged aquatic vegetation resources in the northern Gulf of Mexico. CERF, Nov 8-12, 2015, Portland OR	November 2015	THis work examines SAV resources in coastal marshes across the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is the first such dataset, and can be incorporated into climate change models, and used to examine ecosystem vulnerability.
DeMarco, KE, Hillmann ER, MK La Peyre. 2018. Submerged aquatic vegetation in Barataria Bay, Louisiana: seasonal and spatial patterns. State of the Coast, New Orleans, LA. May 30-June 1, 2018.	May 2018	Identifies seasonal changes and drivers in SAV biomass and community. Important in examining how to extrapolate and interpret monitoring data that may not be seasonal but annual.
DeMarco, KE, Hillmann E, Brasher, M, La Peyre, M. 2015. Changes in coastal salinities will affect seed availability for waterfowl in submerged aquatic vegetation beds and coastal marshes in the northern Gulf of Mexico 6th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. November 1-4, 2015	November 2015	This work examines SAV seed abundances across coastal marsh communities of the nGoM. This is the first work to quantify biomass across the coastal zone, and provides critical data for waterfowl carrying capacity models and predictive models of climate change.
DeMarco, KE, Brown, S, Couvillion, B, La Peyre. MK. 2016. Drawing the map of submerged aquatic vegetation in the northern Gulf of Mexico: distribution patterns across salinity zones. Restore Americas Estuaries, New Orleans, LA Dec 12-16, 2016	December 2016	Using 3 years of coast wide SAV field data, we develop algorithms to build a predictive map of SAV distribution across the coast. The model can be used to assess future distribution patterns by linking with climate change models.
DeMarco, K., Hillmann, E., Brasher MG, and MK La Peyre. 2016. Variation in submerged aquatic vegetation and waterfowl food resources across a coastal salinity gradient in the northern Gulf of Mexico - impacts on habitat value. SWS international Meeting, Corpus Christ, Texas	June 2016	This work examines availability of SAV and seed resources as waterfowl food, across the NGOM, and across the coastal salinity gradient. THis work is critical in informing carrying capacity models for wintering waterfowl along the northern GUlf of Mexico coast.
DeMarco, K., Brown, S., Couvillion, B. and M La Peyre. 2017. How do you map what you can’t see? Submerged aquatic vegetation occurrence modeling in Louisiana. Coastal Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. November, Rhode Island	November 2017	We develop a model of submerged aquatic vegetation occurrence in coastal Louisiana to provide base information for coastal habitats. The resulting model generates spatial likelihood estimates of SAV occurrence across the coastal landscape, presented as a probability map. These predictive models and maps are useful to multiple management agencies and researchers interested in restoring or protecting SAV habitats across the coast and can be used to predict SAV habitats with changing physical an
DeMarco, K, Osland, M., Couvillion, B. M. La Peyre. 2015. Drawing the map of submerged aquatic vegetation in the northern Gulf of Mexico: distribution and patterns of abundance across salinity zones State of the Coast Abstract. June 2016	June 2016	This work will generate maps of a critical coastal habitat, submerged aquatic vegetation, based on three years of coast-wide sampling. The predictors of SAV will be generated and changes in maps predicted using sea level rise models.
Davis, B. E., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Winter habitat use, survival, cause-specific mortality, and emigration of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.	December 2006
Davis, B. E., P. T. Link, and A. D. Afton. 2005. Update on mallard research in Louisiana. Annual state meeting of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., New Orleans, LA.	July 2005
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton. 2009. Habitat use and diel movements by female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. 5th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Toronto, ON, Canada.	August 2009
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2006. Winter survival, cause-specific mortality, and emigration of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Soceity of Wetland Scientists, South Central Cahpter meeting, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA.	October 2006
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2007. Winter habitat use, survival, cause-specific mortality, and emigration of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Fourth Ark-La-Miss Wildlife Management Symposium, Ruston, Louisiana, USA.	February 2007
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2006. Winter survival, cause-specific mortality, and emigration of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologist, Fall Symposiu, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.	August 2006
Davis, B. E., A. D. Afton, and R. R. Cox, Jr. 2006. Winter survival of female mallards in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. 4th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Bismarck, ND.	August 2006
Davenport TM, DeMarco KE, La Peyre MK. Understanding the role of habitat distribution on the biodiversity of nekton. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Meeting, Portland OR, Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	This is the first work to explore long term fishery monitoring data from within Louisiana estuaries and examine how submerged habitat types, configuration and amount are related to nekton biodiversity.
Davenport TM, DeMarco KE, Enwright NM, Midway SR, La Peyre MK. 2024. Structured habitat spatial distribution influences nekton species richness in two Louisiana coastal basins. American Fisheries Society Louisiana Chapter Meeting May 23-24, 2024.	April 2024	This abstract presents recent work exploring nekton biodiversity and submerged structured habitat at a landscape scale. This work helps inform restoration of estuarine habitats.
Darnell, K., Carruthers, T., Biber, P., La Peyre, M, DeMarco, K and Hillmann, E. 2016. The nutrient status of submerged aquatic vegetation along a salinity gradient in Louisiana. State of the Coast, June 2016	June 2016	This work examines the nutrient status of different species of submerged aquatic vegetation along a geographic and salinity gradient of the northern Gulf of Mexico coast.
Custer, C. M., T. W. Custer, M. J. Anteau, A. D. Afton, and D. E. Wooten. 2001. Trace element concentrations in lesser scaup from the Mississippi Flyway. 25th Meeting of the Waterbird Society, Niagara Falls, Ontario.	November 2001
Coxe N, Casas S, La Peyre M, Kelly M, La Peyre J. 2022. Differential hypoxia tolerance in four Gulf of Mexico oyster populations. Benthic Ecology Meeting, Connecticut March 30-APril 2, 2022.	March 2022	We identify differences in lethal mortality time between four populations of oysters exposed to hypoxia in the lab. This has implications for improving population models, and selecting broodstock for breeding programs.
Comba D, Lavaud R, Casas S, La Peyre M, La Peyre J. 2022 How costly is it for oysters to osmoconform in constantly changing salinity? GERS 2022 Biennial Meeting. Gulfport, MS	October 2022	We quantify the energetic cost of osmoregulation in diploid and triploid oysters. This work helps predict the impact of extreme variations and estuarine variability on oyster production.
Comba D, La Peyre M, Baustian M, Raabe J, Stauffer B, Rock T, Inselman R, Robinson E, Roberts B, Plaisance S, Morrison W. 2023. A multi-factor approach to understanding oyster success in Louisiana estuaries. Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit. POSTER. New Orleans, LA	March 2023	This will be an inforgraphic poster describing a new project aimed at identifying potential multi stressor impacts, including emerging threats such as harmful algal, on oyster growth, mortality and fecundity. The intent is to provide this information to the fishery community at this Sea Grant sponsored information event.
Comba D, La Peyre M, Baustian M, Raabe J, Stauffer B, Rock T, Inselman R, Robinson E, Roberts B, Plaisance S, Morrision W. 2023. A multi-factor approach to understanding oyster success in Louisiana etuaries. State of the Coast. New Orleans LA 2023.	June 2023	This work details a multi-investigator project examining oyster and potential harmful algae bloom interactions and impacts in coastal Louisiana.
Comba D, Baustian M, Capps M, Casas S, Inselmann R, Morrison W, Plaisance S, Rikard S, Roberts B, Robinson E, Stauffer B, Tarnecki A, La Peyre J, La Peyre MK. 2023. Effects of interactions between phytoplankton, salinity and temperature on oysters in three Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. Portland OR, Nov 12-16, 2023.	November 2023	Increasing changes in estuarine conditions include more frequent algal blooms, and more extreme salinity and temperature conditions. Here, we explore how changing phytoplankton communities, salinity and temperature may impact oyster growth, reproduction and survival in three key oyster growing estuaries in the Gulf of Mexico.
Cochran, J. W., and S. L. King. 2005 (poster). The effect of species composition and stand development on coarse woody debris characteristics in southeastern bottomland hardwood forests. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
Cochran, J. W. and S. L. King. 2004. The effect of forest management on salamander species richness and relative abundance in a southeastern bottomland hardwood forest. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washington. July 18-23, 2004.	July 2004
Caswell, J. H., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Effects of electronic snow goose calls on non-target goose species. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section meeting, Little Rock, AR.	February 2000
Casas, S., J. La Peyre, M. La Peyre. 2010. Oyster Reefs as a Restoration Tool: Do Reef Structure, Physicochemical Conditions, and Wave Energy Environment Affect Reef Sustainability? International Conference on Shellfish Restoration. Charleston, SC Nov 2010	November 2010
Casas, S., J. La Peyre and M. La Peyre. 2010. Oyster Reefs as a Restoration Tool: Do Reef Structure, Physicochemical Conditions, and Wave Energy Environment Affect Reef Sustainability? State of the Coast meeting. BAton Rouge, LA June 2010	June 2010
Carruthers, T., M. La Peyre, K. Darnell, M. Baustian. 2015. Understanding Gulf Coast estuarine and deltaic benthic ecology for restoration. Session Proposal, CERF Conference, Portland, OR.	November 2015	This is a session proposal to bring together researchers focused on estuarine deltaic restoration processes. The goal is to identify what we know, and where there are knowledge gaps.
Carruthers, T, +12. 2018. Potential benefits to wave attenuation, sediment processes, and SAV habitat from terrace restoration (SHREDS). National Conference for Ecosystem Restoration, New Orleans, LA. Aug 26-30, 2018.	August 2018	This work outlines collaborative work involved in developing a predictive model to inform future restoration efforts involving a commonly used method i Louisiana, marsh terraces.
Cantu, A., S.L. King, and J.P. Donnelly. 2021. Interior Wetlands of Mexico: Status and Issues of Waterbird Habitats. Society of Wetland Scientists 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.	June 2021	Wetlands in the highlands of Mexico are critically important for numerous species of migratory waterbirds. We synthesize the general environmental stressors of wetlands in this region and also identify issues that are impeding effective wetland conservation in the region.
Cantu, A., J. Beauchamp, and S.L. King. 2021. Effects of Wetland Management and Associated Abiotic Factors to Rare Plant Communities in a Managed Arid Wetland. Society of Wetland Scientists Virtual Annual Meeting.	June 2021	In this study, we evaluate the effects of salinity and soil moisture on germination and establishment of three rare (and one endangered) plant species at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Roswell, NM. The life-history and abiotic information gathered from this study will facilitate management for these species.
Cantu, A., E. Carerra, and S.L. King. 2019. Status and Challenges of Wetland Habitats for Migratory Birds in Mexico’s Highlands. The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Reno, NV.	October 2019	The wetlands of Mexico's highlands are important for North American waterbird populations, but little current information exists on the status and condition of these sites. In this paper, we provide an assessment of selected wetlands from the highlands of Mexico and discuss factors limiting restoration in the region.
Cantu, A, and SL King. 2020. Sandhill Cranes in Mexico: status of historical habitats and conservation challenges. North American Crane Working Group Workshop, Lubbock, Texas.	January 2020	Wetlands in the highlands of Mexico are important for North America's sandhill cranes and waterfowl. This study reports on current conditions of these important habitats.
Campanino FM, La Peyre MK, Archer SK, Glaspie CN, Tupitza, JC. 2022. Are biodiversity and functional groups of oyster reef-associated benthic organisms sampled equally with habitat trays and suction sampling?	October 2022	This work compares two techniques to sample complex shallow water habitat- a notoriously difficulty, but highly valued habitat to sample.
Bush, C.B. and M. La Peyre. 2003. Nekton use of restored habitat in southwest Louisiana marshes. CREST Symposium, July 1-2, 2003, Thibodaux, LA	July 2003
Bush, C., A. Nyman and M.K. La Peyre. 2002. Can fish habitat be restored using terraces and coconut mats in Louisiana marshes? Society of Wetland Scientists 23rd Annual Conference, Lake Placid NY June 2-7, 2002.	June 2002
Booth, A.R., S.L. King, and J.A. Nyman. 2018. Understanding mechanisms for coastal marsh sustainability in the face of sea level rise. 12th International Symposium on Biogeochemistry of Wetlands, Coral Springs, Florida.	April 2018	Many marshes have been able to keep up with historical sea level rise because organic and mineral accretion processes exceed subsidence and decomposition. This study will evaluate how common marsh management practices, such as fire and drawdowns, affect these processes and discuss the implications for long-term marsh sustainability.
Boos, B., and S.L. King. 2023. Evaluating abiotic and biotic factors affecting plant succession processes at Malheur Lake. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting.	June 2023	Malheur Lake in eastern Oregon provides critical habitat for numerous waterbird species. In this study, we use a process-based approach to understand why vegetation has not become reestablished in the lake following floods in the 1980s.
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Effects of marsh impoundment on density of wintering waterbirds in the Louisiana Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Quebec 2000: Millennium Wetland Event, Quebec City, QC, Canada.	August 2000
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrates and waterbirds on the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain during winter: some preliminary results. Annual Fall Meeting, South Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Lafayette, LA.	October 1999
Birdsong, T., and M.K. La Peyre. 2004. The importance of habitat heterogeneity of marsh edge to nekton use. American Fisheries Society, Louisiana Chapter Annual Meeting. Baton Rouge, LA. February 4-5, 2004.	February 2004
Birdsong, T., and M.K. La Peyre. 2004. Habitat structure and nekton use of salt marsh edge in Barataria Bay estuary, Louisiana. SWS 25th Anniversary Meeting, Seattle, WA July 18-23, 2004	July 2004
Birdsong, T. and M.K. La Peyre. 2005. Marsh edge habitat complexity and nekton use. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Anchorage AK	September 2005
Bernasconi, S., Lavaud, R., La Peyre, M., La Peyre, J. 2016. Eastern oysters’ physiological responses to acute and chronic exposure to suspended sediments. State of the Coast, Louisiana, June 2016.	June 2016	Eastern oyster metabolic rates are quantified when exposed to a range of total suspended solids. These data are critical for understanding the impacts of proposed river diversions on eastern oyster populations.
Bernasconi, S, Lavaud R, La Peyre M, La Peyre J. 2016 Eastern oysters’ physiological responses to acute and chronic exposure to suspended sediments. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Research Symposium. Baton Rouge, LA. May 31, 2016.	May 2016	This work presents a study examining how oysters respond to increased suspended sediments in the water. Information from this project will be valuable in assessing the impacts of proposed sediment diversions on oyster populations.
Beck, S. and M.K. La Peyre. 2010. Effects of Oyster harvest on trophodynamics and resident nekton habitat quality of oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. Restore America's Estuaries. Galveston TX. November 2010.	November 2010
Beck, S. and M.K. La Peyre 2010. The Effects of Oyster Harvest on the Trophic Dynamics and Habitat Quality of Oyster Reefs in Southern Louisiana. International Conference on Shellfish Restoration Charleston SC, November 20-23, 2010.	November 2010
Bates M, Kinney S, Midway S, La Peyre M. 2023. Benthic tray sampling and electrofishing capture different nekton assemblages at an estuarine oyster reef. Southern Division American FIsheries Society Meeting. February 2023. POSTER	February 2023	This work explores the novel use of electrofishing to sample complex oyster reef habitats in mid salinity environments.
Bates M, Kinney S, La Peyre MK. 2022. Benthic trays and electrofisher capture different changes in nekton assemblages as restored reef complexity changes. GERS 2022 Biennial Meeting. Gulfport MS	October 2022	We explore the use of new sampling technology in salty environments to assess how well it may be used to sample complex hard habitats. This work also examines changes in habitat provision of restored oyster reefs as they develop.
Barlow, S. J., and S. L. King. 2005. Monitoring anuran richness and relative abundance in created and restored wetlands of central Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists 26th Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	June 2005
Barlow, S. J., and S. L. King. 2004. Monitoring anuran richness and relative abundance in reforested wetlands of central Louisiana. Society of Wetland Scientists 25th Anniversary Meeting. Charting the Future: a quarter century of lessons learned. Seattle, Washinton. July 18-24, 2004.	July 2004
Barger, C. P., A. D. Afton, M. J. Anteau, and K. G. McCracken. 2003. Hybridization between lesser and greater scaup. Third North American Duck Symposium, Sacramento, CA; 5-9 November 2003.	November 2003
Bacher, C., M. La Peyre, J. La Peyre ORAL National Shellfisheries Association Meeting 2014 Assessing the effect of environmental drivers on the oyster Crassostrea virginica using a Dynamic Energy Budget model. National Shellfisheries Association mtg March 2014	March 2014	This is the first work to develop a DEB model for the eastern oyster, an economically important species in the U.S., Furthermore, the model is parameterized for the Gulf coast, and incorporates salinity effects.
Austin, J.E., and A.D. Afton, and M.G. Anderson. 1998. Population declines inNorth American scaup: hypotheses and research directions. 60th MidwestFish and Wildlife Conference, Cincinnati, OH, 6-9 December 1998.	December 1998
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2006. The spring condition hypothesis: scope, mechanisms, and implications for conservation of Lesser Scaup migration habitat in the upper-Midwest. Declining Scaup Populations II, Scaup Workshop, Bismarck, North Dakota, USA.	January 2006
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Spring migration of Lesser Scaup. Winterfest 2006, Iowa Association of County Conservation Board Employees, Waterloo, Iowa, USA.	February 2006
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2006. Nutritional ecology of Lesser Scaup during migration and the role of wetlands in Iowa. 6th Annual Water Monitoring Conference, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Ames, Iowa, USA.	March 2006
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Nutrient reserves of female lesser scaup during spring migration in the upper-Midwest: has there been a decrease in female body condition? Are there implications for wetland quality? 24th Annual meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, Louisiana, 8-13 June 2003	June 2003
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2002. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: a test of the spring condition hypothesis. Third North American Ornithological Conference, New Orleans, LA.	September 2002
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2002. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: a test of the Spring Condition Hypothesis. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section meeting, Baton Rouge, LA	July 2002
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2002. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: a test of the Spring Condition Hypothesis. Annual Ducks Unlimited Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana	August 2002
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2002. Diets of lesser scaup during spring migration: has there been a decline in preferred forage in the Mississippi Flyway? Third North American Ornithological Conference, New Orleans, LA.	September 2002
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Nutrient-reserve dynamics of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway: a test of the spring condition hypothesis. Second North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 11-15 October 2000.	October 2000
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2007. Factors influencing food resources, use of wetlands, and foraging behavior of lesser scaup migrating through the Upper-Midwest during spring. The Wildlife Society 14th Annual Conference, Tucson, Arizona, USA.	September 2007
Anteau, M. J., K. F. Abraham, and A. D. Afton. 2009. Cross-continental connections among migratory bird populations, agriculture, and wetland quality. Annual meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Madison, WI.	June 2009
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, M. A. Johnson, J. S. Lawrence, and J. K. Ringelman. 2003. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration: a multi-study test of the spring condition hypothesis. Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, Lafayette, Louisiana, 21-22 August 2003.	August 2003
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, J. S. Lawrence, M. A. Johnson, and J. K. Ringelman. 2004. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration: a multi-study test of the spring condition hypothesis. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section, Jackson, MS: 14-19 February 2004.	February 2004
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, J. S. Lawrence, M. A. Johnson, and J. K. Ringelman. 2004. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration: a multi-study test of the spring condition hypothesis. Annual Conference of the North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Fargo, ND; 11-13 February 2004.	February 2004
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, J. S. Lawrence, M. A. Johnson, and J. K. Ringelman. 2004. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration: a multi-study test of the spring condition hypothesis. Annual Conference of the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Brainerd, MN; 9-10 February 2004.	February 2004
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, J. S. Lawrence, M. A. Johnson, and J. K. Ringelman. 2003. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration: a multi-study test of the spring condition hypothesis. Third North American Duck Symposium, Sacramento, CA; 5-9 November 2003.	November 2003
Anteau, M. J. and A. D. Afton. 2004. Nutritional ecology of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Upper-Midwest: mechanisms and scope of the spring condition hypothesis. Scaup research review meeting of Ducks Unlimited Inc., Bismarck, ND.	October 2004
Anteau, M. J. and A. D. Afton. 2004. Nutritional ecology of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Upper-Midwest: mechanisms and scope of the spring condition hypothesis. Annual meeting of the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Joint Venture, Manhattan, KS.	September 2004
Anteau, M. J. and A. D. Afton. 2008. Wetland and water quality in the upper-Midwest: A story told by bluebills and scuds. Annual IA DNR Wildlife Bureau State-Wide Meeting, Spring Brook, IA.	June 2008
Anteau, M. J. and A. D. Afton. 2006. The spring condition hypothesis: scope, mechanisms, and implications of conservation of lesser scaup migration habitat in the Upper-Midwest. 4th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Bismarck, ND.	August 2006
Angelle Anderson and M. La Peyre. 2009. Evaluating the use of 13C and 15N to detect differences in habitat specific trophic support of estuarine-dependent nekton in southwest Louisiana. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Portland, OR, Nov 1-5	November 2009	this is so old
Allen, S.T., J.W. Cochran, R.F. Keim, and S.L. King. 2015. A comparison of intra-annual radial growth of two dominant bottomland hardwood species across a hydrologic gradient. 18th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Conference, Knoxville, TN.	March 2015	Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) is replacing overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) in many floodplain forests because of hydrologic alterations. We quantified differences in growth patterns among these two species at White River, Arkansas.
Aguilar, D., Pollack, J., MK La Peyre, B. Lebreton. 2018. A meta-analysis of oysters and organic matter sources in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico using stable isotopes. GERS meeting. Nov. 2018. Galveston, TX	November 2018	This provides a meta analysis of food sources for oysters examining how variation in riverine inflow and salinity may affect food quality. This is important to consider as we alter river flows into our estuaries.
Afton, A. D., and M. L. Szymanski. 2004. Spinning wing decoys in Minnesota. Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, Willmar, MN; 2-3 April 2004.	April 2004
Afton, A. D., and M. J Anteau. 2004. Scaup - what we know, what we suspect, what's next? Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, Willmar, MN; 2-3 April 2004.	April 2004
Afton, A. D., T. W. Arnold, and M. J. Anteau. 2013. Survival and recovery rates of lesser scaup: no evidence for additive harvest mortality. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study used band recovery data to esitmate annual survival,recovery rates, and the process correlation between to assess whether hunting mortality was additive to other mortality factors. The results will provide useful information for waterfowl managers concerned with population modelling of lesser scaup and other ducks.
Afton, A. D., M. Mitchell, and S. Jenkins. 2012. Spring migration corridors, flight parameters, and inferred breeding sites of female lesser scaup using Pool 19 of the Mississippi River: the importance of Minnesota and North Dakota habitats. Joint Annual Meeting of the Minnesota and North Dakota Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Fargo, ND.	February 2012
Afton, A. D., M. J. Anteau, M. A. Johnson, J. S. Lawrence, and J. K. Ringelman. 2003. Scaup - population status and research needs update. Sixth Annual Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, Thief River Falls, Minnesota, 11-13 April 2003	April 2003
Afton, A. D., M. A. Mitchell, and S. E. Jenkins. 2013. Migration corridors, flight parameters, and breeding and wintering areas of female lesser scaup. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Memphis, TN.	January 2013	This study examined spring migration flight parameters and habitats used throughout the annual cycle of radio-marked female lesser scaup. It will assist wildlife managers with identification of important areas for habitat management and conservation.
Afton, A. D., M. A. Mitchell, and S. E. Jenkins. 2012. Movements, stopover locations, and body condition of lesser scaup during spring migration. 19th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society, Portland, OR.	October 2012	This study examined flight parameters of radio-marked female lesser scaup during spring migration. It will assist wildlife managers with identification of important areas for habitat management and conservation.
Afton, A. D., M. A. Mitchell, and S. E. Jenkins. 2010. Migratory flight parameters of female Lesser Scaup are consistent with the Spring Condition Hypothesis. Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, Minneapolis, MN.	December 2010
Afton, A. D. and collaborators. 2008. Lesser scaup banding and migration study at Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. 1st Scaup Action Team meeting and Diving Duck Committee meeting, Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section, Baton Rouge, LA.	February 2008
Afton, A. D. 2004. Waterfowl research summary and capabilities. Resources and Research Symposium, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.	August 2004
Afton, A. D. 2002. The population explosion of mid-continent lesser snow geese: causes, problems and solutions. Saturday Science Seminars, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	March 2002
Afton, A. D. 2000. What is happening to Scaup? Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, LaCrosse, WI. [Invited].	April 2000
Afton, A. D. 2012. Migration and affiliations of breeding and wintering areas for female lesser scaup using Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. 2012 Wildlife Division Conference of the Missouri Department of Conservation, Lake of the Ozarks, MO.	January 2012
Afton, A. D. 2007. Update on banding and satellite radio-marking of lesser scaup during spring migration on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Diving Duck Committee, Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA.	February 2007
Afton, A. D. 2000. Progress report on the California motion-decoy study. Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section meeting, Little Rock, AR.	February 2000
Afton, A. D. 1999. The status of the snow goose. Annual Meeting of the International Wild Waterfowl Association, New Orleans, LA. [Invited Plenary Speaker]	September 1999
Afton, A. D. 1999. Development of a Canada goose tissue database for avian lethality modeling: methods and a preliminary report. Avian Lethality Meeting, U.S. Army, Redstone Arsenal, AL.	April 1999
Ackerman, J. T., J. M. Eadie, M. L. Szymanski, J. H. Caswell, M. P. Vrtiska, A. H. Raedeke, J. M. Checkett, A. D. Afton, T. G. Moore, F. D. Caswell, R. A. Walters, D. D. Humburg, and J. L. Yee. 2006. Effectiveness of spinning-wing decoys varies among dabbling duck species and locations. 4th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop, Bismarck, ND.	August 2006
A. Humphries and M.K. La Peyre. 2009. Linking structural complexity in created oyster reefs to nekton use and provision of refuge. Estuarine Research Federation Meeting. Portland, OR, Nov 1-5.	November 2009
Booth, A.R., S.L. King, and J. A. Nyman. 2023. Elevation change and mechanisms for sustainability in Chenier Plain marsh impoundments. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Spokane, WA.	June 2023	Impoundments are a common tool for waterfowl management in coastal systems, but on organic soils, drawdowns associated with the management can lead to loss of elevation and make the impoundments susceptible to sea level rise. In this study, we evaluate accretion and decomposition mechanisms and their effects on elevation gain and loss in coastal impoundments.
Pell, C.J., S.L. King, and R. F. Keim. 2020. The effects of drought and shade on bottomland hardwood regeneration. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Quebec.	June 2020	Hydrologic modifications of floodplain forests in the southeast have intensified drought conditions, thus making drought tolerance of increased significance in regeneration of these forests. In this study, we evaluate biomass allocation patterns in seedlings of several bottomland hardwood species to infer interspecific drought tolerances.
Lipford, A., Moran, L,L.K., Nyman, J.A., and S.L. King. 2023. If you build it, will they come? Assessing habitat quality for birds at created marshes in southeastern Louisiana. State of the Coast 2023. New Orleans, LA.	June 2023	Coasal loss in Louisiana has significantly impacted secretive marshbird populations. This study evaluates local and landscape habitat conditions affecting secretive marshbirds in coastal Louisiana and will inform restoration activities to improve coastal restoration activities to enhance secretive marshbird populations.
Cantu de Leija, A. , J. Beauchamp, and S. L. King. 2020. Germination requirements of rare wetland plants in managed arid wetlands. Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Quebec.	June 2020	Pecos sunflower (<i>Helianthus paradoxus,</i> federally Endangered), Leoncita false-foxglove (<i>Agalinis calycina</i>, Candidate species), and Wright's marsh thistle (<i>Cirsium wrightii</i>, Candidate species) are rare plant species that occur in managed wetland units at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Roswell, New Mexico. This study will determine germination requirements of these species to facilitate the use of wetland management techniques to increase the population numbers of t
La Peyre, M., J. Furlong, L. Brown, B. Piazza, K. Brown. Oyster reef restoration in the northern Gulf of Mexico: extent, methods and outcomes. CERF Meeting 2013.	November 2013	This work examined the extent and outcomes of oyster reef restoration across the nGoM. This work is important because no one has ever reviewed this restoration practice.
Brown, L., Furlong, J., K. Brown, M. La peyreOyster reef restoration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: effect of material and age on nekton and benthic marcoinvertebrate assemblages. ABSTRACT. CERF Meeting NOv 2013	November 2015	This work examined fish and crustacean use of restored reefs, based on restoration material. This work provides data on which organisms use which type of restoration material.

Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations	Publication Date
Winstead, N.A. 2004. Breeding Bird and Vegetation Communities of Reelfoot Lake. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.	May 2004
Whittington, M. S. 2005. Aquatic macroinvertebrates available to wintering waterfowl in managed and natural wetlands in west Tennessee. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.	May 2005
Westbrook, P. 2016. Bioassimilation, burial and sediment denitrification at shallow-water and deep water oyster reefs in two Louisiana estuaries. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	December 2016
Villani, R. K. 2010. Multi-scale habitat association of shorebirds during spring migration in southwestern Louisiana rice fields. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	May 2010
Valente, J. A. 2009. Distribution and habitat associations of breeding secretive marsh birds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Northeast Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2009
Taylor C. 2020. Effects of freshwater inflow on nekton assemblages and blue crab populations in southeast Louisiana. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, LA.	July 2020
Swam L. 2021. Effects of salinity on eastern oysters: locating lower salinity tolerant populations and defining resource zones suitable to restoration, fisheries, and aquaculture. LSU MS Thesis. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5378/	August 2021
Smith, N. R. 2014. History, Nesting Population, Migration, Home Range and Habitats Used by Louisiana Bald Eagles. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. 122pp.	August 2014
Rybovich, M.M. 2014. Effects of low salinity and high temperature on oyster survival, growth. MS Thesis. LSU, Baton Rouge, LA	May 2014
Ritenour, K.A. 2019. Factors affecting nest success of colonial nesting waterbirds in Southwest Louisiana. M.S. Thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	July 2019
Plunket, John Thompson, IV. 2003. A comparison of finfish assemblages on subtidal oyster shell (cultched oyster lease) and mud bottom in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. M.S. Thesis in Oceanography. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	July 2003
Pierluissi, S. 2006. Breeding waterbird use of rice fields in southwestern Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2006
Pierce, A.R. 2005. Sedimentation, Hydrology, and Bottomland Hardwood Forest Succession in Altered and Unaltered Tributaries of the Hatchie River, TN. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.	August 2005
Pickens, B. A. 2012. Modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of coastal marsh birds. Ph.D. Dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	August 2012
Piazza, B. P. 2009. The role of climate variability and riverine pulsing in the community dynamics of estuarine nekton in Breton Sound, Louisiana. PhD dissertation in Oceanography. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	May 2009
Perkins, M. M.S. Candidate. 2007. Use of stable isotopes to distinguish resident and migrant rails in coastal Louisiana and Texas. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2007
Pell, C.J. 2022. The effects of drought and shade on bottomland hardwood regeneration. Ph.D. dissertation. Louisiana State University.	December 2022
Oswalt, S. N. 2003. Evaluation and description of a floodplain system: the Middle Fork Forked Deer River, West Tennessee. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.	May 2003
Nix. E.A. 2012. DEVELOPING A GULF-WIDE OYSTER REEF RESTORATION PLAN: IDENTIFICATION OF SPATIAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND GEO-POLITICAL CONSTRAINTS. LSU MS Thesis.	November 2012
Newell, P. 2008. Pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) and saproxylic beetles in partial cut and uncut bottomland hardwood forests. M. S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2008
Miller, Shea. 2014. Is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis reproducible for small fast growing fish? LSU MS Thesis, Baton Rouge, LA	July 2014
Logarbo, Jordan. 2021. Incorporating life into living shorelines: can gulf ribbed mussels reduce shoreline erosion and enhance restoration practices? LSU Master's Thesis. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5334/	August 2021
Llewellyn, C. B. 2008. Evaluating ecological equivalence in created marshes. M.S. thesis in Fisheries. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	December 2008
Liner S. 2023. Can gulf ribbed mussels enhance coastal restoration projects in a future with climate change? LSU Master's Thesis. https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5833/	August 2023
Leblanc, S.C. 2021. Examining the sustainability of restored sub-tidal oyster reefs in coastal Louisiana. LSU Master's Thesis. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5340/	May 2021
Kroschel, W.A. 2020. Floodplain Forest Regeneration Dynamics in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. Ph.D. Dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	August 2020
Kanouse, S. C. 2003. Nekton use and growth in three brackish marsh pond microhabitats. M.S. thesis in Fisheries. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	December 2003
Kang, S. R. 2011. Aquatic macroinvertebrate and nekton community structure in a Chenier marsh ecosystem: implications for whooping crane prey availability. Ph.D. Dissertation. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.	December 2011
Joshi, S. 2012. Evaluation of growth rates and establishment patterns of waterelm (Planera aquatica) and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) in response to hydrologic and climatic conditions at Catahula Lake, Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	December 2012
Humphries, Austin T. 2010. Effects of habitat structural complexity on nekton assemblages: lab and field observations in southern Louisiana. Louisiana State University, MS Thesis. 70pp.	July 2010
Honig, Aaron. 2013. Population ecology of the ribbed mussel in southeastern Louisiana marshes. LSU Master's thesis.	May 2013
Hillmann, ER. 2018. Analysis of submerged aquatic vegetation across the northern Gulf of Mexico: Communities and Biomass. PhD Dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA	May 2018
Hamilton, S. G. 2014. Effect of hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetative conditions on avian communities in the middle Rio Grande of New Mexico. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	August 2014
Gray, J. M. 2010. Habitat Use, Movements, and Spring Migration Chronology and Corridors of Female Gadwalls that Winter along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. 63pp.	May 2010
Graham, S. 2021. Effects of Marsh Management in Coastal Marsh Impoundments on Marsh Vertical Accretion in the Face of Sea Level Rise. MS Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2021
Gossman, B. P. 2005. Use of terraced marsh habitats by estuarine nekton in southwestern Louisiana. M.S. thesis in Fisheries. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	December 2005
Gordon, J. 2010. Effects of fragmentation on nekton use of marshes in SW LA. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, LA	May 2010
Gee, H. K. W. 2012. The effect of hydrologic modifications on floodplain forest tree recruitment and growth. Ph.D. dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	May 2012
Furlong, J. 2012. ARTIFICIAL OYSTER REEFS IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO: MANAGEMENT, MATERIALS, AND FAUNAL EFFECTS. LSU Master's thesis.	June 2012
Fowler, D. N. 2013. Evaluating abiotic influences on soil salinity of inland managed wetlands and agricultural fields in a semi-arid environment. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	August 2013
Foley, C.C. 2015. Wading bird food availability in rice fields and crawfish ponds of the Chenier Plain of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. M.S. Thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	June 2015
Eberline, B.S. 2012. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE EASTERN OYSTER IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO. LSU MS THesis.	January 2012
DeMarco, KD. 2018. Shifting ecological niche across coastal landscapes: spatial and temporal ecological patterns driving submerged aquatic vegetation habitat distribution across the northern Gulf of Mexico. PhD Dissertation. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	August 2018
Coxe, Nicholas. 2022. Effects of hypoxia and high temperature on eastern oysters: investigating differential tolerance in populations and ploidies. LSU Master's Thesis. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5603/	August 2022
Cochran, J. W. 2008. Coarse woody debris characteristics of managed and unmanaged bottomland hardwood forests. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	August 2008
Cantu, A. 2021. Effects of Wetland Management and Associated Abiotic Factors on Rare Plant Communities of Spring-fed Arid Wetlands. M.S. Thesis. Louisiana State University.	August 2021
Campanino F. 2023. Assessing the effects of live oysters and sampling gear on biodiversity metrics of reef-associated benthic and nekton assemblages. LSU Masters Thesis. https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5831/	August 2023
Bush, C. 2003. Nekton utilization of restored habitat in a Louisiana marsh. M.S. thesis in Fisheries. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.	May 2003
Boos, B. 2023. Evaluating Abiotic and Biotic Factors Affecting Plant Succession Processes at Malheur Lake. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.	May 2023
Birdsong, T. W. 2004. Complexity and nekton use of marsh edge habitats in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. M.S. thesis in Fisheries. Louisiana State Univeristy, Baton Rouge, LA.	December 2004
Bernasconi, S. 2016. Eastern oyster physiological responses to acute and chronic exposure to suspended sediments. MS Thesis. Louisiana State University.	January 2017
Beck, S. 2012. THE EFFECTS OF OYSTER HARVEST ON RESIDENT OYSTER REEF COMMUNITIES AND REEF STRUCTURE IN COASTAL LOUISIANA. LSU MS THesis.	January 2012
Barlow, S. 2007. M.S. Candidate. Monitoring anuran richness and relative abundance in created wetlands of central Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, Louisiana State University.	May 2007
Anteau, M. 2006. Ecology of Lesser Scaup and Amphipods in the Upper-Midwest: Scope and Mechanisms of the Spring Condition Hypothesis and Implications for Migration Habitat Conservation. Dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. May 2006.	May 2006
Anteau, M. 2002. Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississipp Flyway: a test of the spring condition hypothesis. M.S. thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. 44pp.	August 2002

Technical Publications

Technical Publications	Publication Date
Watson, Amanda, Reece, Joshua, Tirpak, B.E., Edwards, C.K., Geselbracht, Laura, Woodrey, Mark, La Peyre, M.K., and Dalyander, P.S., 2017, Data for Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7BC3WR8.	January 2017
Watson, A., J. Reece, B.E. Tirpak, C.K. Edwards, L. Geselbracht, M. Woodrey, M. LaPeyre, and P.S. Dalyander. 2015. The Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment: Mangrove, Tidal Emergent Marsh, Barrier Islands, and Oyster Reef. 132 p. Available from: http://gulfcoastprairielcc.org/science/science-projects/gulf-coast-vulnerability-assessment/	December 2016
Wang H, Enwright NM, Soniat M, Hermann JE, La PEyre MK, Kim SC, Bunch B, Stelly SJ, Dalyander PS, Mickey RC. 2020. Chapter B. Oyster Habitat Suitability Modeling for the Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment at Dauphin Island. IP-113347	January 2020
Wang H, Enwright NM, Darnell KM, La Peyre MK, Cebrian J, Kim SC, Bunch B, Stelly SJ, Couvillion BR, Dalyander PS, MIckey RC, Segura M. 2020. Chapter C. Seagrass Habitat Suitability Modeling for the Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment at Dauphin Island. IP-113355	January 2020
Villani, R., and S. L. King. 2010. Integrated waterbird use of moist soil units at six wildlife management areasin the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Louisiana: Final Report. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Report No. 1-2010. Baton Rouge, LA.	July 2010
Vest, J. L., R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, L. M. Pote, and F. J. Vilella. 2001. Parasites in lesser scaup in the Mississippi flyway. Progress Report. 8pp.	October 2000
Vest, J. L., R. M. Kaminski, A. D. Afton, L. M. Pote, and F. J. Vilella. 2001. Parasites in lesser scaup in the Mississippi flyway. Progress Report. 7pp.	March 2001
Taylor, C., La Peyre MK, Sable S, Kiskaddon E, Baustian M. 2020. Gear Comparison Study for sampling nekton in Barataria Basin Marshes. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Report. 61 pp. Coastal Inventory and Monitoring System, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana. https://cims.coastal.louisiana.gov/DocLibrary/DocumentSearch.aspx?Root=0&Folder=0	April 2020
Szymanski, M. L. and A. D. Afton. 2003. Use of stable isotope methodology to determine natal origins of hatch-year mallards harvested during fall in Minnesota. Second Progress Report. 27pp.	July 2003
Szymanski, M. L. and A. D. Afton. 2003. Summary of use and opinions of spinning-wing decoys by duck hunters participating in the Minnesota study. First Progress Report. 10pp.	July 2003
Szymanski, M. L. and A. D. Afton. 2003. Effects of spinning-wing decoys on flock behavior and hunting vulnerability of mallards and other ducks in Minnesota. Second Progress Report. 25pp.	July 2003
Pickens, B. A., S. L. King, B. Vermilion, L. Smith, and L. Allain. 2009. Conservation Planning for the Coastal Prairie Region of Louisiana. A final report from Louisiana State University to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in fulfillment of Agreement Nos. #644821/513-700205 (LDWF) and #201816N759 (USFWS).	March 2009
Piazza, B.P. and M.K. La Peyre. 2009. The impacts of freshwater diversion projects on non-fishery aquatic organisms: development of nekton indicators. Report submitted to the US FWS, adminstered by LDWF for the State wildlife Grant Program,.. 180pp.	May 2009
Perkins, M., S. L. King, and D. Krementz. 2009. Stopover habitat use by king rails: evaluation and habitat management implications. Final Report to US Fish & Wildlife Service.	July 2009
Olsen, R. E., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Goose hunter opinions and vulnerability of lesser snow geese to electronic calling devices. Final Report (submitted 15 May 1999). (lesser snow geese, electronic calling devices)	January 2000
Nyman, J.A., C. Bush, A. Caldwell and M. K. La Peyre. 2002. Effectiveness of terraces in restoring marsh at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 2002.	August 2002
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2006. Local and long-range movements, habitat-use, and survival of female mallards along the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Quarterly Progress Report, 1 October 2006. 42pp.	October 2006
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2006. Local and long-range movements, habitat-use, and survival of female mallards along the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Quarterly Progress Report, 1 April 2006. 22pp.	April 2006
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2005. Local and long-range movements, habitat-use and survival of female mallards along the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. Quarterly Progress Report. 18pp.	September 2005
Link, P. T. and A. D. Afton. 2005. Local and long-range movements, habitat-use and survival of female mallards along the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain. First Progress Report. 15pp.	May 2005
Lavaud R, La Peyre MK, Couvillion B, Brown V, Pollack JB, Palmer T, Keim B. 2023. Eastern oyster Dynamic Energy Budget model outputs under current (2014-2020) and projected (2041-2050) temperature and salinity conditions in Texas and Louisiana estuaries and along northern GUlf of Mexico coast: U.S. Geological Survey data releases, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9YS78DY.	September 2023
La Peyre, MK. 2015. Final Summary to the South Central Climate Science Center for Occurrence and variation in submersed aquatic vegetation along the northern Gulf of Mexico: a hierarchical approach to assess impacts of environmental change on SAV resources. 2012-2015.	November 2015
La Peyre, M.K., Schwarting, Lindsay, and Miller, Shea, 2013, Preliminary assessment of bioengineered fringing shoreline reefs in Grand Isle and Breton Sound, Louisiana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1040, 34 p.	December 2012
La Peyre, M.K., Schwarting, Lindsay, and Miller, Shea, 2013, Baseline data for evaluating development trajectory and provision of ecosystem services of created fringing oyster reefs in Vermilion Bay, Louisiana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1053, 43 p.	December 2012
La Peyre, M.K. and B.P. Piazza. 2005. Impact and magnitude and timing of freshwater flow on nekton productivity, diversity, and community assemblage downstream of the Caernarvon freshwater diversion structure, Breton Sound, Louisiana - Year Two Report. Louisiana Governor's Applied Coastal Research and Development Program.	October 2006
La Peyre, M.K. and B.P. Piazza. 2005. Impact and magnitude and timing of freshwater flow on nekton productivity, diversity, and community assemblage downstream of the Caernarvon freshwater diversion structure, Breton Sound, Louisiana - Year One Report. Louisiana Governor's Applied Coastal Research and Development Program.	September 2005
La Peyre, M., DeMarco, K., and Hillmann, E., 2017, Submerged aquatic vegetation and environmental data for coastal areas from Texas through Alabama, 2013-2015: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7GH9G44.	May 2017
La Peyre, M., B. Gossman and B. Piazza. 2006. Short and long-term effects of thin layer deposition of dredged material on marsh health (marsh accretion and vegetation health): Year 1 Report submitted to National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Habitat Restoration. 67 pp.	July 2006
La Peyre MK, Marshall DA, Sable S. 2020. Oyster model inventory: identifying critical data and modeling approaches to support restoration of oyster reefs in U.S. coastal Gulf of Mexico waters. Excel tables, gis maps, report	November 2020
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2003. Effects of body size and habitat on goose behavior: lesser snow geese and Ross's geese (Fieldwork in Louisiana 2001-2002 and 2002-2003). Annual Progress Report. 45pp.	August 2003
Jonsson, J. E., and A. D. Afton. 2002. Effects of body size and habitat on goose behavior: lesser snow geese and Ross's goose (winter study). Annual Progress Report. 32pp.	September 2002
Hillmann, E., and La Peyre, M., 2017, Sediment carbon, submerged aquatic vegetation and environmental variables in deltaic southeast Louisiana (2015-2016): U.S. Geological Survey data release,https://doi.org/10.5066/F7QZ2853.	May 2017
Hillmann, E., DeMarco, K., and La Peyre, M., 2017, Submerged aquatic vegetation and environmental data along a salinity gradient in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (2015): U.S. Geological Survey Data Release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7M61HG4.	May 2017
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of fall and winter burning oncomponents of the marsh ecosystem at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report (submitted 1 January 1999). (marsh management, burning)	January 2000
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of fall and winter burning oncomponents of the marsh ecosystem at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Final Report (submitted 29 June 1999). (marsh management, burning)	January 2000
Gabrey, S. W., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of fall and winter burning on components of the marsh ecosystem at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report (submitted 1 April 1999). (marsh management, burning)	January 2000
Fox, David M., Philip C. Stouffer, D. Allen RUtherford, W.E. Kelso, Megan La Peyre and Raynie Bambarger. 2007. Impacts of a freshwater diversion on wildlife and fishes in the Maurepas Swamp. Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6; Agreement #DW-14-95045601-1; Work Order 79. 152 pp.	April 2007
Durham, S., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Nesting ecology of mottled ducks on agricultural lands in southwest Louisiana. Annual Progress Report. 26pp.	February 2001
Durham, R. S., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Nesting ecology of mottled ducks on agricultural lands in southwestern Louisiana. Annual Progress Report (submitted 30 September 1999). (mottled ducks, nesting)	January 2000
DeMarco, KD, Couvillion B, La Peyre MK. 2019. Modeling Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) likelihood of occurrence in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve under present conditions and proposed restoration. doi:10.5066/P9ICTL2V (IP: 108722)	May 2019
DeMarco, K., Hillmann, E., and La Peyre, M., 2017, Seed biomass from shallow coastal water areas from Texas through Alabama, 2013-2015: U.S. Geological Survey data release,https://doi.org/10.5066/F7Z899WV.	May 2017
DeMarco, K., Hillmann, E., and La Peyre, M., 2017, Seed biomass from shallow coastal water areas along a salinity gradient in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (2015): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7TH8K5J.	May 2017
Davis, B. E., and A. D. Afton. 2007. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female mallards in northeast Louisiana. Progress Report, 1 January 2007. 35pp.	January 2007
Davis, B. E. and A. D. Afton. 2005. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female mallards in northeast Louisiana. Progress Report. 20pp.	July 2005
Davis, B. E. and A. D. Afton. 2005. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female mallards in northeast Louisiana. First Progress Report. 17pp.	May 2005
Davis, B. E. and A. D. Afton. 2006. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female mallards in northeast Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report, 1 July 2006. 26pp.	July 2006
Davis, B. E. and A. D. Afton. 2005. Survival, habitat use, and movements of female mallards in northeast Louisiana. Progress Report, 31 December 2005. 22pp.	December 2005
Chambers, J.L., W.H. Conner, J.W. Day, S.P. Faulkner, E.S. Gardiner, M.S. Hughes, R.F. Keim, S.L. King, K.W. McLeod, C.A. Miller, J.A. Nyman, and G.P. Shaffer. 2005. Conservation, Protection and Utilization of Louisiana's Coastal Wetland Forests, Final Report to the Governor of Louisiana from the Science Working Group on Coastal Wetland Forest Conservation and Use. 102 pp.	April 2005
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrate and waterbird communities on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report. 4pp.	January 2001
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrate and waterbird communities on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report. 4pp.	April 2001
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrate and waterbird communities on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report. 30pp.	October 2001
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrate and waterbird communities on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report. 15pp.	October 2000
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of marsh management on invertebrate abundance and waterfowl on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report (submitted 1 July 1999). (marsh management, invertebrate abundance, waterfowl)	January 2000
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of marsh management on invertebrate abundance and waterfowl on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report (submitted 1 January 1999). (marsh management, invertebrate abundance, waterfowl)	January 2000
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of marsh management on invertebrate abundance and waterfowl on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report (submitted 1 April 1999). (marsh management, invertebrate abundance, waterfowl)	January 2000
Bolduc, F., and A. D. Afton. 1999. Effects of marsh management on invertebrate abundance and waterfowl on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Final 2-Year Report (submitted 16 July 1999). (marsh management, invertebrate abundance, waterfowl)	January 2000
Bolduc, F. and A. D. Afton. 2001. Effects of structural marsh management on invertebrate and waterbird communities on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Quarterly Progress Report. 4pp.	July 2001
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2005. Nutritional ecology of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Upper-Midwest: mechanisms and scope of the spring condition hypothesis. Mid-year Progress Report. 41pp.	July 2005
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Nutritional ecology of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Upper-Midwest: mechanisms and scope of the spring condition hypothesis. Mid-year Progress Report. 22pp.	July 2004
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2004. Nutritional ecology of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Upper-Midwest: mechanisms and scope of the spring condition hypothesis. Annual Progress Report. 41pp.	December 2004
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2001. Nutrient-reserve dynamics of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississippi flyway. Annual Progress Report. 12pp.	September 2001
Anteau, M. J., and A. D. Afton. 2000. Nutrient-reserve dynamics of lesser scaup during spring migration in the Mississippi flyway. Annual Progress Report. 11pp.	December 2000
Anteau, M. J., A. D. Afton, M. A. Johnson, J. S. Lawrence, and J. K. Ringelman. 2003. Spring migration ecology of lesser scaup: a landscape-level assessment of female body condition and diets in the upper-Midwest. Annual Progress Report. 20pp.	June 2003
Allen, S. T., J.W. Cochran, R. Keim, and S. L. King. 2015. A comparison of intra-annual radial growth of two dominant bottomland hardwood species across a hydrologic gradient.18th Southern Silvicultural Conference, Knoxville, TN.	March 2015
Afton, A. D. 2010. Chronology and Rates of Migratory Movements, Migration Corridors, and Habitats Used throughout the Annual Cycle by Female Lesser Scaup Radio-marked on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Semi-Annual Progress Report to Ducks Unlimited SRO, 1 July 2010. 11pp.	July 2010
Afton, A. D. 2010. Chronology and Rates of Migratory Movements, Migration Corridors, and Habitats Used throughout the Annual Cycle by Female Lesser Scaup Radio-marked on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Report for LSU Grant #940-40-6128 to Ducks Unlimited SRO, 27 December 2010. 15pp.	December 2010
Afton, A. D. 2009. Chronology and Rates of Migratory Movements, Migration Corridors, and Habitats Used throughout the Annual Cycle by Female Lesser Scaup Radio-marked on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Report to Ducks Unlimited GPRO, 9 December 2009. 30pp.	December 2009
Afton, A. D. 2009. Chronology and Rates of Migratory Movements, Migration Corridors, and Habitats Used throughout the Annual Cycle by Female Lesser Scaup Radio-marked on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Annual Progress Report to All Cooperators, 30 November 2009. 30pp.	November 2009
Afton, A. D. 2008. Chronology and Rates of Migratory Movements, Migration Corridors, and Habitats Used throughout the Annul Cycle by Female Lesser Scaup Radio-marked on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River. Annual Progress Report to All Cooperators, 10 November 2008. 35pp.	November 2008
Afton, A. D. 2007. Chronology and rates of migratory movements, migration corridors and habitats used, and breeding and wintering area affiliations of female lesser scaup captured during spring stop-over on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River: a pilot study. Annual Progress Report to All Cooperators, 21 September 2007. 27pp.	September 2007

Data or Software Releases

Type	Citation	Publication Date
Data Release	Davenport, T.M., Comba, D.A., La Peyre, M.K., Enwright, N.M., Dalyander, P.S., Palmsten, M.L., Han, M., Williams, S.C., Kleinman, J.S., Steyer, G.D., and Hemming, J.M., 2024, Information supporting a cumulative effects assessment of restoration in barrier island and shoreline systems of the north central Gulf of Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9JQ07OH.	September 2023
Data Release	Davenport, T.M., Comba, D.A., La Peyre, M.K., Enwright, N.M., Dalyander, P.S., Palmsten, M.L., Han, M., Williams, S.C., Kleinman, J.S., Steyer, G.D., and Hemming, J.M., 2024, Information supporting a cumulative effects assessment of restoration in barrier island and shoreline systems of the north central Gulf of Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9JQ07OH.	July 2023
Data Release	Davenport, T.M., Comba, D.A., La Peyre, M.K., Enwright, N.M., Dalyander, P.S., Palmsten, M.L., Han, M., Williams, S.C., Kleinman, J.S., Steyer, G.D., and Hemming, J.M., 2024, Information supporting a cumulative effects assessment of restoration in barrier island and shoreline systems of the north central Gulf of Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9JQ07OH.	April 2024
Data Release	Cantu, A., and King, S., 2022, Seed germination requirements and seed responses to salinity for three rare wetland plants of spring-fed arid systems at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Roswell, New Mexico 2018-2020: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9SHGSOB	April 2024
Data Release	Cantu, A and King, S. L. 2023. Effects of Wetland Management and Associated Abiotic Processes on Rare Plant Communities of Spring-fed Arid Wetlands at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge 2019-2020: U. S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9IYMEI2.	January 2022

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Louisiana Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Louisiana Research Activities

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Louisiana
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources