DLESE description of Columbia Environmental Research Center

The Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) is part of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and provides data and scientific information needed to address environmental contaminant issues, and the effects of habitat alterations on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their mission is to provide this data to help maintain clean water resources and habitat quality across the US. This site contains CERC research and project information, which addresses issues such as populations, contaminants in marine and estuarine environments, aquatic resources, at-risk and endangered species, ecosystems, status and trends, and wildlife. To provide an integrated approach to these complex resource problems, research projects are staffed with team members from six science branches: toxicology, ecology, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, field stations, and information technology. Details about research in each of these branches are provided, as well as many links for further information. Much of CERC's research occurs on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.