KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Annually,
World Fish Migration Day raises awareness of migratory fish and
threats to their migration on waterways worldwide. This 2020 event
will be held on October 24th, with a
theme of "Love Flows." Organized by the World Fish Migration
Foundation, this one-day global initiative calls attention to
imperiled migratory fish species and the preservation and
restoration of natural river networks.
"The Tennessee River's aquatic diversity and fisheries are well
known to biologists and anglers," said Julie Graham, Executive Director TRV Stewardship
Council. "This river and its tributaries have shaped recreation and
economies in the Valley for generations."
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plays a vital role in
balancing waterways to protect the aquatic basin's health. Dating
back to the 1930s, President Franklin
Delano Roosevelt charged the TVA with overseeing devastating
flooding in the Valley, managing boat navigation on the Tennessee
River, and producing electricity for the region. The TVA built dams
that impeded the natural flow of water and developed a method to
control the water temperature to support native fish species below
the reservoirs.
Recently, outdoor angler and writer Etta
Pettijohn spoke with TVA Engineer, Jessica Brazille, to learn more about how the
"hot/cold" system at Tims Ford Dam regulates the Elk River
downstream. "The success of the program is critical to fish habitat
and species," said Etta. "The Tennessee and Cumberland River systems have
the highest number of rare fish species in the country, with the
Upper Elk alone having nine federally listed endangered aquatic
species, including eight mussel species."
When you visit rivers and waterways, take a moment to appreciate
the ongoing stewardship activities that protect and conserve the
aquatic life just below the surface.
The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council serves as the
steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide
website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven-state region.
The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous
support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
SOURCE Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council