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Our lab focuses on aquatic systems, particularly how the movement and behavior of organisms influence ecosystem processes. We are interested in questions ranging from basic natural history (e.g., fish movement and dispersal) to ecosystem dynamics (fluxes of sediment and nutrients) and we use creative, technological approaches to address these questions at a variety of scales. We seek to provide data and conceptual understanding of biological processes that can inform better resource management in aquatic systems.

Mike moved to the Michigan Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit at Michigan State University in June 2024, where he serves as Assistant Unit Leader (Fisheries) and Adjunct Associate Professor in Fisheries and Wildlife.

Research

Work in the Booth lab group is typically focused on with freshwater aquatic communities. We are interested in examining how animal behaviors, such as movement dynamics, can modulate the influence of species on their ecosystems. Water is an often scarce and precious resource for humans and their environment–much of our work focuses on gathering data to enable better use of our resources to ensure a sustainable future. Modern technology provides us with amazing tools (e.g., passive integrated transponders and sonar cameras) to address important questions and surmount difficult hurdles.

Check out our current research projects:

Urban fish ecology and movement

Urban fish movement ecology

Understand how movement dynamics are influenced by hydrology and stormwater management in urban streams

Fish ecology and movement

Fish movement ecology

Movement dynamics and the influence of ecosystem engineering fishes in desert streams

Quagga mussel management

Development of methods for large scale management of quagga mussel infestation

Steelhead migration

Understanding the migration patterns and flow needs of southern California steelhead

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