Marine biologists in East Tennessee, Tennessee checked fish populations for the first time since Hurricane Helene
Marine biologists at Tennessee Valley authorities have begun investigating fish populations in Lake Douglas in Dandridge, Tennessee, since hurricane Helene Derbris covered many East Tennessee waterways seven months ago.
The data they collected could illustrate the effects of excessive debris on moving fish populations. Over the past 30 years, the finding will be compared with similar surveys on Lake Douglas. Fish or deformities, parasites or harm less often in the lake are red flags to enter the spawning season.
The scientists were shocked by the water around their research vessel, which made all the fish’s muscles squeeze within the four-foot radius of the vessel. Once the fish float on top, they check for defects, measure and weigh.
After the study, all the fish were released back into the water.
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“I think in the next few weeks, we can really see what the impact is,” said Lyn Williams, TVA Fisheries and Aquatic Monitoring Manager. “You know, yesterday, things look like they are in the normal range. Let’s see if that’s what the full data says.”
Scientists shocked the water, leaving all the fish’s muscles within a four-foot radius of its research ship. The fish floats on the surface before inspection. (Fox News)
Structures in the water, such as debris, provide fish with a place to lay eggs, hunt and feed. TVA fishery biologist Kevin Parr said disruptions in coastline habitat could force fish to find a new place to gather.
“It may move the fish, but the fish can move. They won’t go anywhere. They may go deep or go overseas,” Parr said.
Tennessee Valley Authority marine biologists examined fish populations in Lake Douglas in Dandridge, Tennessee. A large number of fish with deformities, parasites or injuries can be a red flag. (Fox News)
According to the Jefferson County Tourism Bureau, about 80% of the tourism industry in the area comes from sports fishing. Skylar Hamilton said this brings hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
“Of course, we have other events. We have festivals. There are a lot of other things in Jefferson County, but the lake is our bread and butter.”
Marine biologists have inspected fish for the first time since Hurricane Helen. (Fox News)
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Most fishing matches were held immediately at Douglas Lake after Hurricane Helene rescheduled this spring, which put revenues in trouble last year.
About 80% of tourism in Jefferson County, Tennessee comes from sports fishing in Lake Douglas. Fishing brings hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. (Fox News)
The cleaning work on Lake Douglas is about 90%. More than 112,000 cubic yards of debris have been cleared on the 351-mile coastline.
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The Tennessee Emergency Management Bureau estimates that 3.7 million cubic yards of debris have been removed from all Tennessee waterways over the past seven months.
