Quinton Phelps

Quinton Phelps is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and serves as Assistant Unit Leader for the U.S. Geological Survey’s South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. An internationally recognized expert in applied fisheries management, his work integrates field experience with advanced science to address recreational harvest optimization, invasive species control, and aquaculture stocking programs. He collaborates extensively with state, federal, tribal, and international partners to ensure research outcomes directly benefit aquatic ecosystems and angling sustainability.

Education:

• Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University
• M.S. from South Dakota State University
• B.S. from South Dakota State University
• A.S. from Coffeyville Community College

Phelps' research focuses on fisheries management, invasive species ecology (particularly Asian carps), fish population dynamics, and river ecosystem conservation. His methodologies include mark-recapture techniques, otolith/fin-ray analysis, Bayesian modeling, and ecosystem assessments. Key study systems include the Mississippi River basin, where he investigates invasive carp impacts, sturgeon migration, and reservoir fisheries.

His recent publications (2019–2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on invasive carp ecology, fish marking technologies (e.g., strontium/alizarin applications), and population dynamics modeling. Research frequently addresses conservation challenges in large river basins, leveraging collaborations across North America and China.

Phelps leads field and lab operations at the USGS South Dakota Cooperative Unit, facilitating interdisciplinary research on fish and wildlife conservation. The unit’s McFadden Biostress Laboratory supports advanced analytical work, including electron probe microanalysis for mark validation.