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Reintroduction of Native Fish Species to Coal Creek

Reintroduction of Native Fish Species to Coal Creek. Fish populations in Coal Creek watershed have been stressed by land use practices dominated by a history of coal mining. Coal Creek Background.

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Reintroduction of Native Fish Species to Coal Creek

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  1. Reintroduction of Native Fish Species to Coal Creek

  2. Fish populations in Coal Creek watershed have been stressed by land use practices dominated by a history of coal mining. Coal Creek Background

  3. Based on regional data, as many as 27 native fish species anticipated for the Coal Creek Watershed.

  4. Most fish species (27) have survived sedimentation and water quality problems. Blueside darter Bigeye chub Northern studfish Scarlet shiner Photos by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  5. Coal Creek Currently • Some species have apparently been lost. • Coal Creek is isolated by cold releases from Norris Dam so missing species can not recruit naturally.

  6. Why attempt species restoration now? • Efforts have been put forth by CCWF to restore the health of Coal Creek • There are signs of environmental recovery (additional insect diversity and improved fish community indices). • There is increased interest in restoring biodiversity.

  7. Target Species Telescope shiner Warpaint shiner Tennessee shiner Rainbow darter Opportunistically collected species Fantail darter American brook lamprey Reintroduction Species

  8. Telescope shiner

  9. Telescope shiner attributes • Widely distributed and sometimes common. • Eggs very adhesive and probably intolerant of silt. • Specialized feeding and probably intolerant of turbidity. • Individuals intolerant of pollution.

  10. Warpaint shiner Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  11. Warpaint shiner attributes • Widely distributed in upper Tennessee River drainage. • Common. • Moderately tolerant of sedimentation.

  12. Tennessee shiner Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  13. Tennessee Shiner attributes • Widely distributed in the Tennessee River drainage. • Moderately intolerant of pollution. • Usually not found in streams as small as Coal Creek.

  14. Rainbow darter Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  15. Rainbow darter attributes • Distribution “spotty” in east Tennessee but usually common when found. • Moderately tolerant of sediment.

  16. Fantail darter Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  17. Fantail darter attributes • Widely distributed and common in some small headwater streams. • Moderately intolerant of most forms of stream degradation.

  18. American brook lamprey Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

  19. American brook lamprey attributes • Widely distributed but uncommon. • Populations appear to be declining. • Historically known from Coal Creek.

  20. Potential benefits of fish species restoration • Improve the biological integrity of Coal Creek and its tributaries (form and function). • Improved bioassessment ratings and healthier fisheries. • Help preserve native fish diversity.

  21. Volunteers or Questions for Coal Creek Fish Restoration • Erin Schiding • University of Tennessee • Department of Forestry, Wildlife, & Fisheries • 865-974-4963(office), eschidin@utk.edu • or Joyce Coombs, 865-974-7229 jcoombs@utk.edu

  22. Thanks • TDEC • TVA • Americorps • Clinch River Trout Unlimited • Coal Creek Watershed Foundation (CCWF) • UT Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries

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