Fishery Mitigation
Expanding populations and associated development in the Southeast have been accompanied by water quality and quantity regulations for human use. The needs of aquatic life must also be considered. In order to manage water bodies for the conservation and benefit of aquatic and human life, SARP projects will, with partners
- Improve and maintain water quality and quantity to meet state standards
- Improve and maintain instream and riparian habitat
- Provide and maintain access to fisheries
- Stock high quality fish necessary to meet the needs of a diverse angling constituency
- Continuously monitor, evaluate and manage waters impacted by water development projects
Projects
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Improve Connectivity at Troup Spring
Cool water springs feeding major coastal rivers in Georgia provide critical thermal refuges during summer for diadromous fishes such as striped bass. However, the connectivity of many of these springs to the main rivers has been diminished by drought, sedimentation, accumulation of debris, and beaver dams. The goal of this project was to improve the connectivity of Troup Springs to the Oconee River and enhance spring flows. read more >
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Improve Walleye Spawning Habitat
The initial phase of a project to restore a Gulf Coast strain of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population which had been in decline since the 1970s, was undertaken on a headwater stream of the Tombigbee River. The goal was to improve the spawning and rearing habitat by stabilizing a section of stream bank and to stop a head cut from advancing upstream. read more >
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Thermal Refuges for Striped Bass
Gulf striped bass in the Flint River rely on thermal refuges during warmer months for spawning and growth. In recent years, this species (Morone saxatilis) used only eight out of 20 available spring-fed areas of the river because flow had become restricted, denying them access. This project restored access and flow near two springs on the Flint River, increasing available refuge area significantly. Gulf striped bass is anadromous and popular among recreational and commercial fishers. It’s native range includes a variety of aquatic habitats such as streams, shores, bays, and estuaries from the Atlantic Coast to Louisiana. read more >