TVA Encourages Anglers to Help Survey Sport Fish
Feb. 9 , 2004
Local anglers in the Tennessee Valley are being asked to help TVA survey the sport fish population in the Tennessee River.
Sport fish such as black bass, bluegill, and crappie will be part of TVA’s annual survey this year, which begins in mid-March and continues through early June.
Fish are collected using boat-mounted electrofishing equipment. The units stun the fish momentarily and bring them to the surface for evaluation. Information such as abundance, distribution, age, relative weight, and general health is collected and recorded.
Once weighed, measured, and counted, the fish are released unharmed. Results from TVA’s fish surveys are used by state agencies to protect and improve sport fishing.
From March 16 to June 3, TVA fisheries biologists will leave designated boat ramps throughout the Valley at 7:30 a.m. and survey the fish until midafternoon. Participants with life jackets can join survey crews in TVA boats, or they can follow in personal boats.
The TVA survey has been conducted in the Tennessee River since 1995. To participate, call 865-632-1721 or e-mail gseeber@tva.com by March 10.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed. It provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood control, navigation, water quality and recreation.Media Contact:
Michelle Chang, Knoxville (865-632-8108) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
