Dr. David L. Strayer

I am no longer doing new research, but continue to be modestly involved in freshwater ecology. Since retiring, I’ve helped to write several synthesis and review papers (e.g., Geist et al., 2022; Aldridge et al., 2023; Seebens et al., 2025; Dudgeon and Strayer, 2025; Strayer, 2025). Currently, I’m working as part of a team on a paper that critically reviews the composition, biogeography, and conservation of freshwater mussels (Unionida) in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence basin. I’m also one of more than 100 authors of The Nature Record (https://naturerecord.org/), “the first holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife, and the benefits they provide.”

I continue to write and speak about ecology for the public (several dozen of my essays are collected here). I recently published a book for general audiences on the wonders of inland-water ecosystems and the remarkable life that they support: ("Beyond the Sea: The Hidden Life in Lakes, Streams, and Wetlands"). (“a wonderfully engaging exploration of the freshwater world, packed with fascinating stories, surprising facts and memorable anecdotes,” FBA News; “a captivating and insightful read,” ASLO Bulletin; “a clear, thought-provoking introduction to the hidden life of inland waters,” Conservation Biology; “a rallying cry to urgently see the beauty and significance of the freshwater environments,” The Geoscientist). I am about to finish a series of essays on extinctions in the world’s fresh waters, and the lessons that they can teach us about how to better manage these important ecosystems.

Finally, I’ve been working with academics and agency biologists on the management of Michigan’s freshwater mussels (an imperiled group of animals). I’ve helped to develop and run a test for mussel identification (now required of contractors who work on freshwater mussels). Joe Rathbun (a retired agency biologist) and I have been teaching a short class on mussel biology and identification.