By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Marine biologists in East Tennessee examine fish counts for the first time since Hurricane Helene
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Marine biologists in East Tennessee examine fish counts for the first time since Hurricane Helene
News

Marine biologists in East Tennessee examine fish counts for the first time since Hurricane Helene

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: May 2, 2025 3:26 am
Jimmie Dempsey Published May 2, 2025
Share
SHARE

Marine biologists with the Tennessee Valley Authority have begun to survey fish populations in Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee for the first time since Hurricane Helene debris covered many East Tennessee waterways seven months ago.

The data they collect could illustrate the impact that excessive debris has had on the sport fish population. The findings will be compared to similar surveys on Douglas Lake over the last 30 years. Fewer fish in the lake or fish with deformities, parasites or injuries would be red flags going into spawning season. 

Scientists shocked the water around their research boat, which tensed the muscles of all the fish within a four-foot radius of the boat. Once the fish floated to the top, they were examined for defects, measured and weighed.

All fish were released back into the water after the study.

POPULAR NORTH CAROLINA DESTINATIONS STILL WORKING TO RECOVER FROM HURRICANE HELENE

“I think here over the next few weeks, we will really be able to see what, if any, impacts there have been,” Lyn Williams, TVA Fisheries and Aquatic Monitoring Manager, said. “You know, judging off yesterday, things look within normal range. We’ll see if that’s what the complete data says or not.”

Structures in the water, like debris, give fish a place to lay eggs, hunt and feed. TVA Fisheries Biologist Kevin Parr said a disruption in shoreline habitat might force fish to find a new place to congregate. 

“It might move the fish around, but fish can move. They’re not going anywhere. They might go deep or go offshore,” Parr said. 

Scientists examine fish on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee

According to the Jefferson County Tourism Department, about 80% of the tourism in the area comes from sport fishing. Skylar Hamilton said it brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

“We have other events, of course. We have festivals. We have a lot of other things in Jefferson County, but the lake is our bread and butter,” Hamilton said. 

Scientists survey fish populations in East Tennessee

NORTH CAROLINA TOWN DESTROYED BY HURRICANE HELENE HOPING TO WELCOME TOURISTS BACK

Most fishing tournaments scheduled on Douglas Lake immediately after Hurricane Helene were rescheduled until this spring, which put a dent in last year’s revenue. 

Angler returns from fishing trip on Douglas Lake.

Cleanup on Douglas Lake is about 90% complete. More than 112,000 cubic yards of debris across 351 miles of shoreline have been removed.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency estimates that 3.7 million cubic yards of debris have been removed from all Tennessee waterways in the last seven months.   

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Olivia Dunne performs stunning move during swimsuit fashion show

Fighter jets protect Trump during NJ weekend stay as 11 aircraft violate restricted airspace

Big Horn Armory .500 S&W Magnum

Massive floating solar power plant is making waves

UConn’s Dan Hurley addresses Knicks coaching rumors: ‘Not another summer of that’

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
MSNBC’s Psaki struggles to fill Maddow’s lofty shoes, trails CNN in key demo through two months in new slot
News

MSNBC’s Psaki struggles to fill Maddow’s lofty shoes, trails CNN in key demo through two months in new slot

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Rifle Roundup: Franklin Armory Militia AR-10 With A Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Scope
WWE star Drew McIntyre dishes on how he finally got his ‘bored at work’ shirt made
‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens’ ex issues warning for ladies after he refuses to consider anyone over 60
Native Hawaiian man could face longer prison sentence after conviction for hate crime against white man
‘Big tent party’: DNC chair shrugs off Mamdani’s refusal to condemn ‘globalize the intifada’ slogan
Former public school teacher, 33, charged after ‘prolonged pattern of abuse’ with teen boy
News

Former public school teacher, 33, charged after ‘prolonged pattern of abuse’ with teen boy

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Ohio boy crawls into claw machine, gets stuck, rescued with pride bruised but unharmed
News

Ohio boy crawls into claw machine, gets stuck, rescued with pride bruised but unharmed

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
White House again defends success of B-2 raid on Iran amid new report some uranium survived
News

White House again defends success of B-2 raid on Iran amid new report some uranium survived

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?