The Environmental Assessment Program at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center develops and employs advanced methods for analyzing samples from marine and freshwater environments for trace levels of persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic compounds and their metabolites, fatty acids, inorganic elements, stable isotope ratios, as well as contaminants of emerging concern. The Program conducts research on a local, regional, and national level in collaboration with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The results of these chemical tracer analyses are used to understand the effects of anthropogenic and environmental factors on the health and ecology of aquatic organisms, including species listed as threatened or endangered under the US Endangered Species Act or protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Acquisition of this information is important for the development of strategic management plans for marine resources.

 

Reference

Krahn MM, et al: Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 1522, 2009

 

Keywords:

Marine mammals and fish; Endangered species; Chemical tracers; Analytical quality assurance; Contaminants of emerging concern; Feeding ecology; Toxicology; Animal health; Ecosystem;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants