Quantifying Long-term Declines
We quantify the extent, severity, and causes of insect declines across the western US.
By comparing how insect populations and habitat conditions compare to those surveyed historically, we identify where and how bad insects are declining and why. Current projects focus on documenting longterm insect trends and trend-causes on the Madison, Yellowstone, Blackfoot Rivers in Montana, the Deschutes River in Oregon, and the Provo River in Utah.
Assessing Species' Vulnerabilities
We analyze species population trends and perform vulnerability assessments to determine what species are in greatest need of conservation.
Once assessments are made, state agencies can incorporate results into management plans. Our research on salmonfly declines in Utah was used to list them as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah. This will initiate funding for salmonfly research and conservation across the State. Similar assessments are in progress for species across multiple states.
Studying species' ecological needs
We study the conditions that different species need to stay healthy. This helps identify targets for managing environmental conditions across western fisheries.
When we understand the environmental conditions that cause reductions in the abundance of important species, we can create improved goals for managing fisheries. Historically, aquatic insects have not been integrated into management planning because their needs have been unknown. Our analyses of large aquatic insects datasets are a first step in towards this goal.
Ongoing Projects
The Madison River
The Madison River is one of America’s most iconic trout streams. We are performing a 50-year comparative study on the Madison to see what has changed in the macroinvertebrate community over the last half century. This project is in progress and a report will be distributed when available.
Montana Species Wildlife Action
Salmonflies are a staple of trout diets and anglers travel far and wide to fish this iconic hatch in Montana, the epicenter of salmonfly abundance. Unfortunately, these sensitive insects appear to be in jeopardy and this project aims to quantify the severity of their decline across Montana to provide the state with an official ranking of the species for inclusion in their Species Wildlife Action Plan.
Yellowstone River
America’s longest undammed river, world renowned for its native cutthroat trout and abundant insect hatches is home to another salmonfly project historical study. In 2024 we replicated a survey originally published in 1976 to track changes in insect populations and document any associated environmental factors contributing to potential declines.
Henry's Fork
Our Work on the Henry’s fork is driven by anglers observation and concern about diminishing pale morning dun (PMD) hatches. We are working with the Henry’s Fork Foundation to quantify the strength of PMD hatches by trapping emergent adults at three important locations on the Fork.
Blackfoot River
The blackfoot presents us with another opportunity to monitor trends in aquatic insects over time. We are in the process of replicating a study from 1989 at 14 locations across the blackfoot and a report will be distributed shortly.
Deschutes River
The Deschutes River in Oregon is home to a diverse fishery and infamous Salmonfly Hatch. We have partnered with the Native Fish Society to both Track insect population status and trends and to perform a methods analysis. Our study on the effectiveness of different commonly used macroinvertebrate sampling techniques will help guide our efforts into the future ensuring that we capture the most powerful and actionable data possible.
