Gregory W. Whitledge

Biography

Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia

Research Interest

My research interests include applications of stable isotopes in fisheries and aquatic sciences, fish bioenergetics and trophic interactions, fish-habitat relationships, aquatic invasive species, and sport fisheries management. Current and recent research projects in my lab include several applications of otolith and fin ray/spine chemistry as indicators of fish environmental history. These studies are currently focused on fishes in large Midwestern rivers (Asian carps, sturgeon, catfishes, paddlefish, sauger), but also include smaller rivers and streams. We are also using otolith and fin ray chemistry to assess contributions of stocking and natural reproduction to Lake Michigan lake trout (in collaboration with the IL Natural History Survey) and reservoir crappie and smallmouth bass populations. My lab group conducts long-term electrofishing monitoring of Ohio River fish assemblages and sport fish management studies in southern Illinois, with current emphasis on population dynamics of Ohio River catfishes and spotted bass in southern Illinois streams. Other ongoing and recent projects include an assessment of ploidy status, age and growth, and environmental history of grass carp in the Great Lakes region and black carp in the Mississippi River (in collaboration with USGS), movement of Asian carp around locks and dams, and field evaluation of Zequanox® for zebra mussel control in lakes. We also conduct surveillance for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in Illinois waters.