The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council Celebrates World Fish Migration Day 2020

The Tennessee River Valley is known for its aquatic diversity and tournament fishing lakes.   On October 24, we recognize the importance of conserving aquatic habitat and the work of the Tennessee Valley Authority for their management of the almost 41,000 square miles watershed basin comprised of streams, rivers, and lakes.

Annually, World Fish Migration Day is celebrated as a way to raise awareness of migratory fish and threats to their migration on waterways around the world.  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 the needs of migratory fish to ensure that more natural river networks remain connected, and those already fragmented can be restored.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plays an important role in balancing waterways to protect the health of the aquatic basin. Dating back to the 1930’s the TVA was legislatively charged with controlling devastating flooding in the Valley and to manage the Tennessee River for navigation. This resulted in the building of dams that impeded the natural flow of water. To correct the delicate balance between the tailwaters and the reservoirs, TVA developed a method to manage the temperature of water to support native fish species below the reservoirs. 

Recently outdoor angler and writer, Etta Pettijohn caught up 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.” To learn more click here.

When you take to the rivers to fish or to simply enjoy the beauty of the waterways, take a moment to appreciate the ongoing stewardship activities that protect and conserve the aquatic life just below the surface of the water.