Upcoming Events
PhD Dissertation Proposal Defense - Riley Moreau - Environmental Science and Policy
May 6, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Merten Hall, Room 1204
To join by Zoom, please register:
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PhD Dissertation Proposal Defense
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Riley Moreau
Defense Date and Time: May 6, 2026 at 10:00am
Defense Location:Merten Hall, Room 1204 and on Zoom
Title:Assessing Predation Risks of Native Fishes within Tidal Freshwater Nurseries
Dissertation Director: Dr. T. Reid Nelson
Committee: Dr. Amy Fowler, Dr. Jennifer Salerno and Dr. Diego Valderrama
ABSTRACT
Tidal freshwater provides valuable habitat to resident and migratory fishes, that can be negatively impacted by invasive species. The overall aim of this research is to assess the risks that native fish communities face due to the presence of invasive piscivores to best guide management decisions. Specifically, this dissertation will use long-term community data to assess prey fish community shifts associated with environmental changes and piscivore invasion within the Potomac River. Additionally, baited predation recorders and predator diet studies will be used to assess seasonal and temporal factors influencing predation risk within these ecosystems.
