The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, with support from several partnering agencies and volunteers, will perform a benthic blitz in several river and tributary basins during the week of Aug. 10.
The blitz will bring together specialists and volunteers to study organisms that live on or in river and stream sediments.
During the survey, TWRA biologists collect and identify bottom-dwelling organisms, including crayfish, mussels, and non-game fish to evaluate the health of our waterways.
These surveys help biologists better understand the diversity of aquatic wildlife and the overall condition of Tennessee’s rivers and streams.
Tennessee is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, TWRA said in a written statement. With more than 356 species of fish, 140 mussel species, 97 crayfish, and 402 snail species, biologists are specialists at identification and have expectations of a thorough scientific exercise.
Rivers and tributary locations include:
• Cane Creek
• Upper Caney Fork
• Calfkiller River
• Rocky River
• Middle Caney Fork
• Hickory Creek
• Barren Fork
• Hills Creek-Collins River
• Charles Creek-Collins River
• Bee Creek
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.