Missouri River

    The Missouri River drains nearly one sixth of the area of the United States, making it one of the truly Great Rivers of the world. Management of the Missouri River for social-economic services (for example, hydropower, flood control, public water supply, and navigation) has resulted in substantial physical changes to the river and associated declines in native species.
    CERC scientists conduct research on the Missouri River to provide information needed to restore and manage the Missouri River ecosystem. They investigate physiology, behavior, habitat dynamics, and population dynamics to understand how management affects endangered and threatened species like the pallid sturgeon, interior least tern, and the piping plover. As well, CERC conducts research on Missouri River invasive species, principally Asian carps.
    Interdisciplinary river studies involve collaboration with other Branches within CERC, other USGS disciplines, Federal and State agencies, academia, and non-governmental organizations. Go to Missouri River InfoLINK and related web sites.

Research Studies

Publications

An estimate of the historic population size of adult pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River Basin, Montana and North Dakota (91669)

Braaten,P.J., Fuller,D.B., Lott,R.D., and Jordan,G.R., 2009, An estimate of the historic population size of adult pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River Basin, Montana and North Dakota, Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 25(suppl.2): 2-7, (91669)
Spawning migrations and reproductive dynamics of paddlefish in the upper Missouri River basin, Montana and North Dakota (91693)

Braaten,P.J., Fuller,D.B., and Lott,R.D., 2009, Spawning migrations and reproductive dynamics of paddlefish in the upper Missouri River basin, Montana and North Dakota, Paukert, C.P.and G.D.Scholten, (eds).Paddlefish Management, Propagation, and Conservation in the 21st Century: Building from 20 years of Research and Management.American Fisheries Society, Symposium 66: 103-122, (91693)
Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: A research synthesis 2005-08 (91684)

DeLonay,A.J., Jacobson,R.B., Papoulias,D.M., Simpkins,D.G., Wildhaber,M.L., Reuter,J.M., Bonnot,T.W., Chojnacki,K.A., Korschgen,C.E., Mestl,G.E., and Mac,M.J., 2009, Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: A research synthesis 2005-08, U.S.Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5201, (91684)
Channel morphodynamics in four reaches of the Lower Missouri River, 2006-2007 (91664)

Elliott, C.M., Reuter, J.M. and Jacobson, R.B. 2009. Channel morphodynamics in four reaches of the Lower Missouri River, 2006-2007. U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report. 259p.
Hierarchical Bayesian Markov switching models with application to predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon (91586)

Holan, S.H., Davis, G.M., Wildhaber, M.L., DeLonay, A.J., and Papoulias, D.M., 2009, Hierarchical Bayesian Markov switching models with application to predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon: Applied Statistics, v. 58, no. 1, p. 47-64.
Sediment regime constraints on river restoration--An example from the Lower Missouri River (91687)

Jacobson,R.B., Blevins,D.W., and Bitner,C.J., 2009, Sediment regime constraints on river restoration--An example from the Lower Missouri River, in: James, L.A., Rathburn, S.L., and Whittecar, G.R.(eds.), Management and Restoration of Fluvial Systems with Broad Historical Changes and Human Impacts, GSA Special Papers 451: 1-22, (91687)
Hydrodynamic simulations of physical aquatic habitat availability for pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River, at Yankton, South Dakota, Kenslers Bend, Nebraska, Little Sioux, Iowa, and Miami, Missouri, 2006-07 (91632)

Jacobson, R.B., Johnson, H.E., III and Dietsch, B.J. 2009. Hydrodynamic simulations of physical aquatic habitat availability for pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River, at Yankton, South Dakota, Kenslers Bend, Nebraska, Little Sioux, Iowa, and Miami, Missouri, 2006-07. U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5058.
Factors affecting the reproduction, recruitment, habitat, and population dynamics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River

Korschgen, C.E., 2007, Factors affecting the reproduction, recruitment, habitat, and population dynamics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the Missouri River: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2007-1262, 280 p.
Population viability analysis of Lower Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon with initial application to the pallid sturgeon

Bajer, P.B., and Wildhaber, M.L., 2007, Population viability analysis of Lower Missouri River shovelnose sturgeon with initial application to the pallid sturgeon: Journal of Applied Ichthyology 23(4), p. 457–464
Research needs and management strategies for pallid sturgeon recovery: Proceedings of a workshop held July 31–August 2, 2007, St. Louis, Mo.

Bergman, H.L., Boelter, A.M., Parady, K., Fleming, C., Keevin, T., Latka, D.C., Korschgen, C., Galat, D.L., Hill, T., Jordan, G., Krentz, S., Nelson-Stastny, W., Olson, M., Mestl, G.E., Rouse, K, and Berkley, J., 2008, Research needs and management strategies for pallid sturgeon recovery: Proceedings of a workshop held July 31–August 2, 2007, St. Louis, Mo. Final report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Laramie, Wyoming, William D. Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 82p
Sturgeon Research Update: Confirmed Pallid Sturgeon Spawning in the Missouri River in 2007

N/A, 2009, Sturgeon Research Update: Confirmed Pallid Sturgeon Spawning in the Missouri River in 2007
Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to evaluate Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawning success

DeLonay, A.J., Papoulias, D.M., Wildhaber, M.L., Annis, M.L., Bryan, J.L., Griffith, S.A., Holan, S.H., and Tillitt, D.E., 2007, Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to evaluate Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawning success: Journal of Applied Ichthyology, v. 23, p. 428-435.
Assessment of Lower Missouri River physical aquatic habitat and its use by adult sturgeon (genus Scaphirhynchus), 2005-07 (91679)

Reuter,J.M.,, Jacobson,R.B., Elliott,C.M., and DeLonay,A.J., 2009, Assessment of Lower Missouri River physical aquatic habitat and its use by adult sturgeon (genus Scaphirhynchus), 2005-07, U.S.Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5121, (91679)
Zero-inflated modeling of fish catch per unit area resulting from multiple gears: Application to Channel Catfish and Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River (91563)

Arab,A., Wildhaber,M.L., Wikle,C.K., and Gentry,C.N., 2008, Zero-inflated modeling of fish catch per unit area resulting from multiple gears: Application to Channel Catfish and Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 28(4): 1044-1058, (91563)
Drift dynamics of larval Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon in a natural side channel of the Upper Missouri River, Montana (91574)

Braaten, P.J., Fuller, D.B., Holte, L.D., Lott, R.D., Viste, W., Brandt, T.F. and Legare, R.G. 2008. Drift dynamics of larval Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon in a natural side channel of the Upper Missouri River, Montana. North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 28(3): 808-826.
Distribution of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and bioavailable metals in depositional sediments of the Lower Missouri River, USA (91545)

Echols,K.R., Brumbaugh,W.G., Orazio,C.E., May,T.W., Poulton,B.C., and Peterman,P.H., 2008, Distribution of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and bioavailable metals in depositional sediments of the Lower Missouri River, USA, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 55(2): 161-172, (91545)
Design of a naturalized flow regime - an example from the Lower Missouri River, USA (91562)

Jacobson, R.B., and Galat, D.L., 2008, Design of a naturalized flow regime—an example from the Lower Missouri River, USA: Ecohydrology, 1(2): 81-104.
Hydraulic and substrate maps of reaches used by sturgeon (genus Scaphirhynchus) in the Lower Missouri River, 2005-07 (91604)

Reuter, J.M., Jacobson, R.B., Elliott, C.M., Johnson, H.E., and DeLonay, A.J., 2008, Hydraulic and substrate maps of reaches used by sturgeon (genus Scaphirhynchus) in the Lower Missouri River, 2005–07: U.S. Geological Survey, Data Series 386. 442 p.
Growth rates of young-of-year shovelnose sturgeon in the Upper Missouri River (91498)

Braaten,P.J., and Fuller,D.B., 2007, Growth rates of young-of-year shovelnose sturgeon in the Upper Missouri River, Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 23(4): 506-515, (91498)
Movement, habitat use, and reproductive behavior of shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River (91528)

DeLonay,A.J., Papoulias,D.M., Wildhaber,M.L., Mestl,G.E., Everitt,D.W., and Chojnacki,K.A., 2007, Movement, habitat use, and reproductive behavior of shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River, in: Korschgen, C.E., ed.2007.Factors Affecting the Reproduction, Recruitment, Habitat, and Population Dynamics of Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River: U.S.Geological Survey, Open File Report 2007-1262: 23-106, (91528)
Land Capability Potential Index (LCPI) for the Lower Missouri River Valley (91510)

Jacobson, R.B., Chojnacki, K.A., and Reuter, J.M., 2007, Land Capability Potential Index (LCPI) for the Lower Missouri River Valley: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2007-1192, 26 p., 19 p.
The roles of physical habitat in reproduction and survival of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the lower Missouri River, progress, 2005-06 (91565)

Jacobson,R.B., Johnson,H.E., Reuter,J.M., and Elliott,C.M., 2007, The roles of physical habitat in reproduction and survival of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon in the lower Missouri River, progress, 2005-06, in: Korschgen, C.E., ed.2007.Factors Affecting the Reproduction, Recruitment, Habitat, and Population Dynamics of Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River: U.S.Geological Survey, Open File Report 2007-1262: 143-212, (91565)
A conceptual life-history model for pallid and shovelnose sturgeon (91492)

Wildhaber,M.L., DeLonay,A.J., Papoulias,D.M., Galat,D.L., Jacobson,R.B., Simpkins,D.G., Braaten,P.J., Korschgen,C.E., and Mac,M.J., 2007, A conceptual life-history model for pallid and shovelnose sturgeon, U.S.Geological Survey, Circular 1315, (91492)
Early Development of Four Cyprinids Native to the Yangtze River, China

Chapman, D.C., Editor, 2006, Early Development of Four Cyprinids Native to the Yangtze River, China, U.S. Geological Survey, Data Series 239, 51 p.
Geomorphic Classification and Assessment of Channel Dynamics in the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska (91512)

Elliott, C.M., and Jacobson, R.B., 2006, Geomorphic classification and assessment of channel dynamics in the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska: U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5313, 66 p.
Science to support adaptive habitat management: Overton Bottoms North Unit, Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Missouri [Volumes 1-6] (91606)

Jacobson, R.B., ed., 2006, Science to support adaptive habitat management-Overton Bottoms North Unit, Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Missouri: U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5086, 116 p.
Flow and form in rehabilitation of large-river ecosystems: An example from the Lower Missouri River (91530)

Jacobson, R.B., and Galat, D.L., 2006, Flow and form in rehabilitation of large-river ecosystems: An example from the Lower Missouri River: Geomorphology, v. 77, no. 3-4, p. 249-269.
Assessment of shallow-water habitat availability in modified dike structures, Lower Missouri River, 2004 (91441)

Jacobson, R.B., Elliott, C.M. and Johnson, H.E., III, 2004, Assessment of shallow-water habitat availability in modified dike structures, Lower Missouri River, 2004: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2004-1409, 24 p.
Development of methods to monitor pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) movement and habitat use in the Lower Missouri River (1504)

DeLonay, A., and Little, E.E., 2002, Development of methods to monitor pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) movement and habitat use in the Lower Missouri River: Columbia, Mo., U.S. Geological Survey, p. 114 p.
An ecological risk assessment of the potential for herbicide impacts on primary productivity of the lower Missouri River (91075)

Fairchild,J.F., Sappington,L.C., and Ruessler,D.S., 1999, An ecological risk assessment of the potential for herbicide impacts on primary productivity of the lower Missouri River, U.S.Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the Technical Meeting.USGS Water Resources Investigations Report 99-4018B, (91075)
Determination of bioavailable contaminants in the lower Missouri River following the flood of 1993 (90923)

Petty,J.D., Poulton,B.C., Charbonneau,C.S., Huckins,J.N., Jones,S.B., Cameron,J.T., and Prest,H.F., 1998, Determination of bioavailable contaminants in the lower Missouri River following the flood of 1993, Environmental Science and Technology 32(7): 837-842, (90923)
Determination of waterborne bioavailable organochlorine pesticide residues in the Lower Missouri River

Petty, J.D., Huckins, J.N., Orazio, C.E., Lebo, J.A., Poulton, B.C., Gale, R.W., Charbonneau, C.S., and Kaiser, E.M., Determination of waterborne bioavailable organochlorine pesticide residues in the Lower Missouri River, Environ. Sci. Technol., 1995, 29 (10), pp 2561–2566