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 MEGAN LA PEYRE

Impacts of development in marshes of coastal LA Swamp Nerd Aerial photograph of chevron shaped terrace fields

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Megan La Peyre
Assistant Unit Leader
U.S. Geological Service
Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit
124 School of Renewable Natural Resources
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
mlapey@lsu.edu
(225)578-4180

Research Interests

Land loss represented by orange and red, coastal Louisiana The overall objective of my research is to better understand, conserve and restore the ecological integrity of estuarine environments. Research in and restoration of estuarine systems requires a multi-disciplinary approach and understanding of the biological, geological, physical and chemical interactions, as well as an understanding of social and economic controls on management actions; as such my research is hypothesis-driven and encompasses both intensive field and laboratory studies that aim to elucidate mechanisms controlling nekton and plant communities in estuarine environments.

Coastal Louisiana, with its extensive wetland loss, intensive coastal infrastructure (i.e., oil and gas development) and active restoration program ($14B restoration plan), provides a unique and challenging biological and human-impacted environment in which to work. Current research examines ecological factors that determine distribution, abundance and integrity of the biota (both fauna and flora) in unmanaged and managed estuarine environments. In this regard, my research program aims to address basic ecological theory regarding ecosystem sustainability and restoration that is widely applicable, as well as provide very applied and timely information for management and restoration of estuarine environments and their biota.

News & Upcoming Events

National Shellfisheries Association Annual Meeting
April 6-10, 2008 Providence, RI
Info

Society for Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting
May 26-30, 2008 Washington, D.C.
Info

American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting
August 17-21, 2008 Ottawa, Canada
Info

Restore America's Estuaries
October 11-15, 2008, Providence, RI
Info

Courses Taught

  • Aquatic Botany
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Current issues in natural resources policy

Education

Ph.D. (2000): Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

M.A. (1995): Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA

B.A. (1992): Political Science and Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 

 

Content designed and maintained by Greiner Productions, 2006-2008.

Disclaimer: The statements included in this website, are those of Dr. Megan La Peyre only. Any statement or opinions included in these pages are not those of the LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University,  the LSU Board of Supervisors, or the School of Renewable Natural Resources. Copyright © 2006.