Michael Wagner

Michael Wagner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He is a broadly trained aquatic ecologist with a focus on fish behavioral ecology, particularly involving sea lamprey in the Great Lakes Basin.

• Education: B.S. in Marine Biology (Texas A&M University), M.S. in Marine Science (College of William and Mary), Ph.D. in Fisheries Ecology (University of Georgia)

His research explores how chemical information mediates fish migration strategies, habitat selection, and anti-predator behavior. He develops innovative management tools to control invasive species and enhance fish passage, integrating animal behavior theories with ecosystem conservation.

The articles listed highlight his expertise in sea lamprey behavioral ecology, focusing on adaptive management strategies, hydrodynamic navigation mechanisms, and predator-prey tradeoffs. His work bridges fundamental ecological research with practical applications for invasive species control in aquatic ecosystems.

Wagner leads the Applied Behavioral Ecology Lab (ABEL) at MSU and collaborates with institutions like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, US Geological Survey, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He has secured multiple grants for sea lamprey control and aquatic sustainability projects.