Professor Emeritus
About
Academic background
Dr. Webb received his Ph.D. degree in Zoology from the University of Bristol, England in 1971. He was the Senior Research Fellow for the National Research Council at National Marine Fisheries Service in La Jolla, CA from 1979-80, elected Fellow of the American Association of Science in 1983, and was the Visiting Scientist at the Fisheries Laboratory, Lowestoft, UK in 1987-88. He was also a founder member of the editorial board of Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and the Journal of Experimental Biology. He is currently on the editorial boards of Journal of Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, and Marine Biology.
Fish Communities in Great Lakes Marshes: Studies in Les Chen
Research interests
Dr. Webb's current research interests include energetics and functional morphology of fishes. Research seeks to identify and understand fundamental principles leading to predictive models for understanding fish biology and identifying optimal management practices. Specific areas include:
1) locomotor mechanics and functional morphology, including effects of structural complexity, maneuverability, and stability on habitat selection, species distribution, and evolutionary patterns
2) structure of freshwater marsh assemblages
3) distribution and flow of materials and energy acquired as food within fishes, and effects of environmental perturbation, including anthropogenic factors, and
4) predator-prey interactions.
Dr. Webb's current research on locomotion is examining interactions in current-swept habitats (streams, tidal habitats) between fish and structures representative of the bottom, stream banks, weed beds, and coral heads. These structural features have major consequences for locomotor performance, body form, behavior. Consequences of differing abilities for maneuvering and stability control on community structure are being examined in field studies in streams and lakes. Research on marshes focuses on quantifying effects of human development on fish assemblages and fragmentation, and biomonitoring protocols to help empower local citizens in making management decisions.
Research Areas(s)
- Biomechanics and physiological ecology
Affiliation(s)
- Program in the Environment
School of Natural Resources and Environment
Field(s) of Study
- Biomechanics and physiological ecology
