Scientific Capabilities & Services

Bald Eagle diving in the air © Ken Archer

BRI provides applied scientific services that integrate field-based research, laboratory analysis, quantitative modeling, and science communication to support conservation, environmental compliance, and natural resource management. Our teams work collaboratively with agencies, Tribes, industry partners, NGOs, and communities to design and implement rigorous studies, translate complex data into actionable insights, and deliver products that inform real-world decisions.

Explore our specialized capabilities below:

Threatened and Endangered Species Services

BRI staff include former state and federal employees with expertise in the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and relevant state laws.

Fisheries Science Expertise

BRI biologists conduct field and analytical fisheries projects that integrate fish biology, contaminant science, public health, and ecosystem processes.

FERC Hydropower Licensing and Compliance

BRI has more than 25 years of experience supporting fisheries and wildlife studies for FERC-regulated hydropower projects across New England.

Quantitative Wildlife Ecology Research Lab

QWERL scientists combine hands-on wildlife research with advanced quantitative tools to answer complex ecological questions and inform conservation and management.

Contaminants and Ecotoxicology Support Services

BRI is a global leader in contaminant monitoring and ecotoxicological research, with particular expertise in mercury and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. Biological samples are processed in BRI’s Toxicology Laboratory, supporting research across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Field Capabilities

BRI conducts field-based wildlife research to support environmental monitoring, impact assessment, and conservation decision-making across diverse ecosystems. Our teams integrate safe capture and biological sampling, movement and tracking, contaminants monitoring, and population surveys to generate high-quality data that inform management, regulatory review, and long-term conservation planning.

Capture & Handling

  • Wildlife capture and restraint
  • Biological sampling
  • Marking and tagging
  • Field protocols and logistics

Movement & Tracking

  • Study design and deployment planning
  • Telemetry and tracking implementation
  • Data management and QA/QC

Contaminants Monitoring

  • Field sampling for contaminant studies
  • Biomonitoring and baseline assessments
  • Support for ecological risk questions

Inventory & Population Studies

  • Survey design and sampling frameworks
  • Field surveys and monitoring
  • Distribution, abundance, and trend assessments