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McCormick Fish Physiology Research Topics

Click on each topic to learn more about the current knowledge and how we are investigating further

Hormonal control of osmoregulation in basal vertebrates, including sea lamprey and Atlantic sturgeon

Chinnook salmon were exposed to elevated stream temperatures in streamside tanks at the Yukon River, AK.

Chinook salmon after exposure to elevated temperature in streamside tanks on the Yukon River, Alaska. Shown in photo: USGS researchers Dan Donnelly, Sarah Laske, and Shannon Waters. Photo credit: Stephen McCormick.

Effects of temperature and energy use on fish passage and spawning success of American shad

Microscope image of salmon gill tissue with proteins labeled in red and green, which help indicate seawater preparedness.

Localization of NKAα1a (green), NKAα1b (red), and co-labeled NKAα1a and NKAα1b (yellow–orange) immunoreactive ionocytes in gill tissue of Atlantic salmon freshwater smolts (6 May). Photo credit: McCormick et al. (2013) J of Exp Biol., 216.

Comparison of salinity tolerance and feeding in landlocked and anadromous sea lamprey

Larval river herring individual is seen through a dissection scope.

Larval river herring observed through a dissecting microscope. Photo credit: Lian Guo

Two juvenile sea lamprey are suctioned to a mirror, which shows their reflections. Below is a microscope image of gill tissue

A pair of downstream-migrating, juvenile sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus L.) and abundant gill Na+/K+-ATPase (red staining) is associated with seawater osmoregulation cells. Photo credit: Jonathan Wilson. Cover image of Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol 211 (6), March 2008.

Thermal physiology of salmonids, including brook trout, Atlantic salmon and Alaskan sockeye salmon

A fat meter is being used on an American shad, which helps us understand fat stores during upstream freshwater migration.

Adult American shad being measured for fat content after being exposed to elevated stream temperatures during the upstream migration. Photo credit: Shannon Bayse

Identification, localization and endocrine regulation of gill ion transport proteins that secrete salts as anadromous fish move from freshwater to seawater

Juvenile sea lamprey attact to the wall of a tank as they are transported to the research facility.

Juvenile sea lamprey from Lake Champlain. Photo credit: Jessica Norstog

 Temperature effects on the physiology and ecology of freshwater early life stages of river herring

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