TVA to Conduct Spring Sportfish Survey
March 26, 2002
During the next two months, TVA will conduct a survey to determine the health of sportfish in area reservoirs and identify trends in fish populations.
TVA aquatic biologists conducting the survey encourage local fishermen to help catch the fish. The surveys began this week and will continue through May 24.
TVA will compare information obtained about the fish with data collected during past years. TVA will share the data with state game and fish agencies who use it to validate their own assessments.
Those participating in the survey will leave the designated boat ramps at 7:30 a.m. and fish for approximately one hour. After the first hour of fishing has been completed, TVA biologists will use boat-mounted electrofishing units to sample fish. These units shock the fish and bring them to the surface for evaluation. Once the fish have been evaluated they are released unharmed in the area where they were caught.
Participants who bring their own life jackets may ride in a TVA boat, or follow in their private boat.
View the survey schedule and list of boat ramps where participants will meet. For further information call Donny Lowery at 256-386-2729 (Muscle Shoals) or Ginger Seeber at 865-632-1721 (Knoxville).
Media Contact:
Pat Becker, Knoxville (865-632-4660) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
