Bureau of Habitat
Welcome to the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources', Bureau of Habitat. These links will take you to descriptions of the programs we administer to protect and maintain New York's rich and diverse ecosystems. In our Bureau, staff trained in ecology, wildlife and aquatic biology work to monitor, evaluate and respond to environmental stressors in New York State.
Our central office is located in the Department's headquarters in Albany, New York. Staff in Albany carry out programs such as monitoring and assessments of contaminants on fish and wildlife resources, mitigation of impacts at steam-electric and hydroelectric facilities, natural resource damage assessment, and wetlands and stream protection policy coordination.
Field stations located at Delmar, Hale Creek (Gloversville) and Rome, NY, investigate unexplained mortality in animals, and carry out research on the effects of acidic deposition, pesticides and chemical contaminants in fish and wildlife.
Bureau staff can also be found in the Departments geographical regions, where they provide programs, such as the wetlands and stream protection, in their specific location.
Hale Creek Field Station
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
182 Steele Avenue Extension
Gloversville, NY 12078
Contact: Timothy Preddice
518-773-7318
518-773-7319(Fax)
The Hale Creek Field Station, in Gloversville, NY, contains a main laboratory/office building complex with extensive storage facilities, eight hatchery ponds and four outdoor raceways. Bureau of Habitat staff at the facility are divided into an Analytical Services Unit, an Environmental Disturbances Unit, and a Terrestrial Toxicology Unit. In addition, individuals from the Pesticides Investigation Unit of the DEC Division of Hazardous Substance Regulation and the Toxicity Testing Unit of the DEC Division of Water's Bureau of Wastewater Assessment and Research share space in the facility. The three units at the Field Station are involved in a number of contaminant studies, acid precipitation and other environmental investigations.
Effects of Contaminants on Mink and Otter
Mink and otter are particularly sensitive to PCB and mercury contamination, In the early 1980's mink and otter were collected throughout New York State and examined for levels of PCB and metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) contamination. In several areas of New York State, mustelids exhibited levels of PCBs that were greater than levels that inhibited reproduction in studies conducted with farmed mink. This finding suggests that wild populations of mink may be impaired reproductively in some areas of New York due to excessive PCB contamination. Using extensive data collected by DEC for monitoring contaminant levels within the fisheries of New York, researchers were able to correlate levels of PCBs in mink with levels in fish suggesting that mustelids may accumulate significant levels of PCBS through feeding on contaminated fish. These significant findings were published in a prominent peer reviewed scientific journal and have played an important role in establishing State and Federal water quality standards that are protective of wildlife species.
Additional research is currently underway to determine the extent of reproductive impairment within wild mink populations in areas of New York State subjected to excessive PCB contamination. This research requires the development of techniques for assessing the relative abundance of mink. Several alternative methodologies are currently being explored for potential use in assessing the relationship between mink abundance and the availability of contaminants.
Organochlorine Residues in New York State Waterfowl
Because of the long food chain associated with aquatic systems, waterfowl demonstrate a high degree of bioaccumulation of organochlorine contaminants. Concern not only for the effects contaminants may have on the species comprising the waterfowl resource of New York State but also for the potential implications of the human utilization of this resource prompted the 1983-84 statewide survey of contaminant levels in waterfowl. This study compared levels of organochlorine contaminants in six waterfowl species from five regions of New York State, establishing ecologically-based rationales for variations in levels of contaminants among species and geographic regions, Results of this study appeared in a peer reviewed national scientific journal specializing in environmental monitoring. In conjunction with the NYS Department of Health, health advisories for the human consumption of waterfowl were established based, in part, on data generated by this study.
In addition to the statewide study, a number of studies of the effects of contaminants on localized waterfowl populations have been conducted, One study examined the rate of contaminant uptake by common goldeneye wintering on the Niagara River, an area of high organochlorine contamination. This study demonstrated that birds on the river for only a short time had an extremely high rate of contaminant uptake. A second study also conducted with common goldeneye from the Niagara River demonstrated that much of the contaminant burden in these birds was associated with adipose tissue. This finding suggests that removal of fat and skin prior to cooking may substantially reduce exposure to contaminants for humans consuming waterfowl. This study resulted in further modifications of human health advisories for the consumption of waterfowl. Both studies were published in a peer-reviewed journal that addresses wildlife management issues.
Current research is designed to assess the contribution of specific sites of contamination on mallard populations in the vicinity of the Niagara River, This study addresses contaminant uptake by mallard populations that are resident most of the year and brood their young on or near sites known to have extremely high levels of organochlorine and metals contamination. By comparing the levels of contaminants in mallards brooded on specific sites with those collected after dispersal and migration, the relative contribution of local sources of contamination to the overall contaminant burden of the regional mallard population may be evaluated. This study will aid efforts in assessing remedial options for contaminated sites along the Niagara River.
Another current area of research centers on the role of zebra mussel, a nonindigenous species recently introduced to New York State, to alter the availability of contaminants to mollusk-feeding ducks such as common goldeneye, greater scaup, and lesser scaup. The zebra mussel has demonstrated a profound ability to alter ecological dynamics of aquatic systems. This includes the ability to increase substantially the bioavailability of certain nutrients and contaminants to other species. If molluscivores such as the common goldeneye and scaups take advantage of this mollusk as a food source as it becomes established in New York State, contaminant uptake by these ducks may be increased. The current study is designed to determine the extent to which these ducks are feeding on zebra mussels in areas where these mussels have become established.
Acidic Deposition
During the late 1970's and early 1980's declines in smallmouth bass populations were noted in areas subjected to anthropogenic acidification. To determine if populations were lost directly from acid effects (as opposed to synergists), studies were performed on the effects of acid exposure on growth, survival, and histology of young smallmouth bass. A decrease in survival and an increase in histological damage was exhibited with increasing acidity. The results suggested that an increase in environmental acidity is sufficient to cause losses in this species, even in the absence of synergists such as heavy metals. The results of this study appeared in a peer-reviewed journal concerned with the environmental biology of fishes and supported efforts by DEC to demonstrate the negative aspects of acidic deposition occurring in New York State.
Agricultural Influences on Semi-Aquatic Mammals
Corn is a major agricultural crop in the Lake Plains region of New York State. Because of the use of agricultural chemicals and intensive nature of this form of agriculture, it has the potential to affect riverine habitat and associated wildlife species. The muskrat is an important furbearer that occupies riverine habitat and may be affected by agricultural practices including the use of agricultural chemicals. A study was conducted examining muskrat occupancy and the biological integrity of stream sections in central New York State potentially influenced by corn agriculture.
Muskrat occupancy and biotic integrity were marginally lower in sections of stream adjacent to corn agriculture as compared to stream sections in areas without agriculture. Bioassays indicated that exposure to agricultural chemicals was sufficient for a toxic response in fish; however data was not sufficient to demonstrate a toxic response in muskrats. Results suggest that decreases in muskrat occupancy may be related, in part, to the degradation of habitat potentially caused by agricultural chemicals, This study was distributed to members of the Agricultural Advisory Council and other agricultural organizations as a NYS DEC technical report and has contributed to the development and improvement of agricultural practices that are protective of wildlife species in riparian habitats.
Monitoring of Fish and Wildlife for Environmental Contaminants
Fish from throughout New York State are analyzed for persistent chemical contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyis (PCBs), pesticides, and metals. Results from these analyses are used by the NYS Department of Health to issue the annual Health Advisories for consuming sportfish and game. The advisory explains how to minimize your health risks from eating sportfish and game that are likely to contain elevated levels of chemical contaminants. Restrictions for various waters are tightened or relaxed yearly, depending on analytical results.
Analysis of resident fish populations may be used to track down point sources of chemical contaminants. If identification is successful, remediation of the site may take place. Past projects have identified sources on the Grasse River (PCBs), the Hudson River (PCBs), the Niagara and Oswego Rivers (mirex), and Onondaga Lake (Hg).
Rome Field Station
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation
8314 Fish Hatchery Road
Rome, NY 13440
Contact: Eric Paul
315-337-0910
315-337-0988 (fax)
The Rome Field Station houses the Bureau's Aquatic Toxicant Research Unit, consisting of biologists, technicians and support personnel. The station contains a laboratory for basic water chemistry analyses, and aquatic toxicity testing, as well as facilities for rearing fish and storage of equipment. Excellent supplies of spring water and water from Lake Delta are a key asset of the field station. Research has focused on the effects of acid precipitation, pesticides and other chemical contaminants on fish and other aquatic life.
Review of Acid Rain Research, Emission Controls and Monitoring Programs
For nearly 20 years Rome Field Station staff have conducted acid rain research and worked to reduce acidic deposition. Review comments have been provided to the EPA on numerous federal reports, ensuring that New York State data are presented accurately and that their conclusions are scientifically valid. The Adirondack region is recognized as the most acid deposition affected lake region in the U.S. Since most of the acidic deposition falling on New York originates outside of the state, federal emission control programs are essential to reduce the deposition in the sensitive Adirondack region. New York State sources have significantly reduced their emissions but cannot solve the problem on their own.
Sulfur dioxide emissions have been reduced nationwide as a result of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Staff have encouraged EPA to also reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides year-round in order to reduce the acid levels during the critical spring snowmelt period. Staff have also worked with Division of Air Resources to ensure that emission reduction plans and restructuring of the electric utility industry do not adversely affect the environment. Monitoring of acidic deposition across New York State and monthly monitoring of Adirondack lakes and streams will provide the data necessary to document a recovery from acid rain impacts.
Bioassays with numerous fish species have also been conducted in lakes and streams impacted by acidic deposition. Caged fish were only able to survive several days in acidic streams, and in most cases these streams were found to be fishless. Some of these waters are acidic throughout the year and others experience acidic episodes during periods of snow melt or high streamflow. Findings from these studies (some of which were funded by EPA) were part of a large program which lead to passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and federal regulations to reduce sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. In order for fish to again populate these impacted lakes and streams additional reductions in acidic deposition must occur.
Liming Acidic Waters
The Debate on resolving the acid deposition problem has included the possibility of liming all the acidic waters. An environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared to fully evaluate the impacts and consider feasible options of the DEC liming program. The EIS included information on acidic deposition impacts, the sensitive waters affected, and the beneficial and adverse impacts of liming. After numerous public and DEC meetings a moderate DEC liming program was agreed upon. The approximately 50 lakes in the program met specific criteria which made them good candidates. The lakes are monitored annually, re-limed when necessary, and stocked with brook trout. Most of the acidic waters in the Adirondack are not good liming candidates because the water flushes through them too quickly. It would be a waste of funds and resources to try to lime these waters. Publicizing and clarifying the liming issue and the fact that it is not a solution to acid deposition, has been beneficial in that it has helped to push for reductions in acidic deposition and reductions in sulfur and nitrogen emissions.
Impacts of Mercury on Aquatic Resources
Mercury has been recognized as an environmental pollutant in aquatic ecosystems since before 1970. New York's database of fish analyses for mercury includes over 13,000 records. In Adirondack waters yellow perch were found to have higher mercury concentrations when they were large in size and collected from acidic waters. The source of the mercury in most of these remote waters is now believed to be atmospheric deposition. In recent years Rome Field Station staff have assisted in the analysis of this large data set of fish analyses and worked with biologists in other northeast states to evaluate the extent of the problem and possible ways to reduce mercury levels in the environment. As a result of the Clean Air Act, mercury emissions from municipal waste combustors, medical waste incinerators, and other industrial sources are being reduced. Emissions from coal fired power plants remain as a major source of mercury and have yet to be controlled.
Herbicide Toxicity Testing
Aquatic herbicides are used by over a hundred New York State lake associations annually to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Most of these applications occur at a time when young fish are also present. Diquat, fluridone, and endothal were tested at the Rome Field Station to determine the toxicity of each herbicide to the early life stages of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. This information was not available prior to these tests. As a result of these tests the label for diquat, the most toxic of the three, has been changed to allow its use in a manner which protects the young of the year of these important gamefish from direct toxicity. Lake associations have also been encouraged to use the less toxic chemicals or alternative methods of aquatic plant control.
Insecticide Toxicity Testing and Amphibian Decline
Rome Field Station staff have also conducted toxicity tests using numerous insecticides. A large number of these insecticides are used by mosquito and blackfly control programs. Traditionally, these tests have been used to determine lethal levels to brook and brown trout, two important fish species. Testing has examined the effects of scourge™, dibrom™ and permanone™ (commonly used adulticides) on the ability of fish to swim. Additional testing has focused on the impacts of these pesticides on amphibians. Amphibian populations appear to be on the decline throughout the state (and country). Amphibian impacts are also not generally evaluated by pesticide manufacturers. Information from these tests has been and will continue to be valuable in evaluating the risk of environmental damage from insecticide applications. It is important for townships and health agencies to be informed of the potential risks of using insecticides and which ones cause less impacts on non-target organisms.
Reporting of Amphibian Deformities and Follow Up Surveys
The causes of the high incidence of amphibian deformities have been speculated but are not truly understood. Possible causes include UV radiation, toxic chemicals (including pesticides), and parasites. How these deformities might relate to the declines in amphibian population is also not understood and emphasizes the lack of knowledge concerning amphibians. While we have not had a large number of reports as has occurred in some states, we want to follow up on reports of deformed amphibians. This is an important area in the monitoring of amphibian deformities. We encourage anyone finding deformed amphibians to contact the Rome Field Station at: 315-337-0910 or send us an e-mail. Rapid reporting of malformed frogs is essential to investigating these reports. Malformed amphibians tend not to survive very long. Only rapid follow up investigations can determine the extent of malformations, as well as look for causes.
Field Studies of Non-Target Effects of Mosquito Larvacides
The tests were carried out in relation to the Onondaga County program of mosquito spraying for the control of EEE virus. The larvicide applications did not appear to have any major adverse impacts on the non-target organisms. Based on these data the use of target specific larvicides may cause less risk to the environment than the present widespread use of aerially applied adulticides.
Effects of DDT on Lake Trout Reproduction
During the late 1950's and early 1960's lake trout were captured annually from Lake George as a source of eggs for hatchery culture of fingerling lake trout for stocking in several Adirondack lakes. It was noticed that all progeny of Lake George lake trout died at a very early stage. Staff of the Rome Field Station conducted a series of studies culminating in the discovery that DDT used for gypsy moth and black fly control in the Lake George watershed had led to accumulation of DDT in lake trout and their eggs in toxic concentrations. Surveys of other Adirondack lake trout populations disclosed high levels of DDT in lake trout from other lakes where DDT was used for several purposes. Results of this study were immediately used by New York to prohibit the use of DDT in Adirondack watersheds containing lake trout lakes. When the results were published in a peer-reviewed national scientific journal, they added to the results of studies on raptor reproductive failure, eventually leading to a complete national ban on use of DDT. Levels of DDT in fish and wildlife have now declined to the point that it does not threaten their reproductive success.
Impacts of Contaminants on Fish Reproduction
During the 1970's, 80's and 90's staff of the Rome Field Station conducted studies to determine whether or not contaminants were adversely affecting New York's fish populations. PCBs, mirex™, dioxin, and other contaminants were found in fish eggs from Lake Ontario and other waters. These eggs were raised and studied to evaluate problems in early life stage development. Although PCBs and mirex™ were not found to cause significant reproductive problems, dioxin was recently found to cause blue-sac disease in lake trout and most likely was responsible for some of the mortality observed 10-15 years ago. Reducing the water temperature during egg incubation allowed the Rome Field Station staff to increase survival and manage around the problem. During the 1990's dioxin levels appear to have declined to the extent where blue-sac disease is no longer a significant problem.
