Ira Adelman

My research interests center around environmental physiology of fishes, aquatic toxicology, and fisheries management. Past projects involve walleye biology, management, and stocking success. Recently completed projects involve walleye biology, management, and stocking success. We analyzed historical records to determine the effectiveness of Minnesota DNR's walleye stocking program over the past 50 years. We also compared the survival of two different populations of walleye stocked into the same lakes along with fish naturally spawned in those lakes. In the area of aquatic toxicology, my recent research is an examination of the effect of endocrine disrupting compounds on fish. In the field we have attempted to determine if the effluent from the Minneapolis/St. Paul sewage treatment plant contains estrogenic compounds that are affecting reproductive potential of fish populations, particularly walleye, in the Mississippi River. In the laboratory, I have been collaborating with colleagues in molecular genetics and protein chemistry to develop cDNA microarrays for fathead minnows to be used for the identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals in natural waters. Finally, I have been investigating in the laboratory the possible impacts of water quality (temperature, oxygen, nitrogen compounds) on the endangered Topeka shiner. I am currently at a half-time position in a phased retirement and am not accepting new graduate students.