Activities in Georgia

Projects in Georgia 

• Oconee Habitat Enhancement

  Program: Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan (SAHP)
  The robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum), a species that had been lost to science for about 150 years, was discovered on the Oconee River in 1991. Wild populations subsequently found in the Savannah River (Georgia/South Carolina) and Pee Dee River (North Carolina) have been augmented by stocking in other areas of Georgia and South Carolina. The species is very particular about the water quality and depth as well as the gravel quality of its spawning sites. To encourage propagation of this native species, the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee coordinates activities in several southeastern states. The gravel augmentation is expected to benefit invertebrates, including mussels, as well as anadromous species such as striped bass, American shad, and Atlantic sturgeon. read more >

• Oyster Restoration with Artificial Cultch

  Program: NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (NOAA CRP)
  Restoration of oysters along southeastern coasts is important for economic and ecological reasons. Oysters enhance water quality. Their reefs buffer wave action adjacent to marshes, and they are harvested and marketed by commercial fishermen. read more >

• Community Control of ANS

  Program: NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (NOAA CRP)
  The Altamaha River Watershed Conservation Action Plan cites invasive species as one of the six highest ranked threats. One of the invasive species thriving in portions of the watershed is the flathead catfish, which cause environmental harm, threaten native species, and can change the recreational value of an area for anglers. read more >

• Restoration of Spawning Site on Ogeechee

  Program: Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan (SAHP)
  As part of a broader restoration effort, Georgia Wildlife Resources Division has been stocking robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum), a species thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Georgia’s Oconee River in the early 1990s. This species did not occur naturally in the Ogeechee River, but study indicated that the aquatic habitat there would probably support the robust redhorse. read more >

• Improve Connectivity at Troup Spring

  Program: Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan (SAHP)
  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 >

• ANS Management Plans

  Program: Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan (SAHP)
  Current Status of ANS Management Plan: Final stages of development and approval. read more >

• Thermal Refuges for Striped Bass

  Program: Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan (SAHP)
  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 >