Predator-prey interactions determine many aspects of population dynamics and community structure of estuarine and marine ecosystems.

We are analyzing the interactive factors that regulate predator-prey dynamics primarily in three interrelated projects:

Blue Crab - Clam - Fish Interactions
We use extensive experimental approaches and innovative biotelemetry techniques to assess predator-prey interactions of blue crabs, fish and infaunal bivalves in the Rhode River subestuary of Chesapeake Bay.
click here to learn more>>

Fish - Shrimp Interactions
Grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) are the most abundant epibenthic decapod crustacean in upper Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries of eastern North America. Grass shrimp are preyed upon by a guild of several species of fish.
click here to learn more>>



Scale of Predator - Prey Interactions
Spatial pattern of predators foraging on prey patches is determined by 3 components of ecological scale: “Grain” (patch size), “Lag” (distance between patches) and “Extent” (distance the interaction is manifested). These scale elements may also depend on prey density. We evaluated the components for predator-prey interactions of blue crabs foraging on clams (Macoma balthica) in Chesapeake Bay using: a large grid of benthic cores for clam density; biotelemetery of crab movement and foraging activity; and field experiments testing spatial effects of crab predation impact on clams. We have also tested effects of ecological scale on predator-prey interactions of eagle rays foraging on infaunal bivalves on a sand flat in New Zealand.
click here to learn more>>