Inland fisheries resources encompass much more than just fish. Inland fisheries involve a complex and interconnected ecosystem that includes various aquatic organisms and their habitats.

Of course, fish are a central component. Inland fisheries involve a wide variety of fish species, each with its own ecological role and importance. These fish contribute to food security, livelihoods, and recreational activities.

Smallmouth Redhorse

Are prominent bottom feeders that increase available nutrients and food resources that sportfish benefit from.

Efforts that are underway to continue to promote and protect these resources are programs such as translocation and reintroduction of native species.

Translocation and reintroduction are conservation strategies used to restore fish populations to their native habitats or establish populations in new suitable habitats. These strategies are often employed when fish populations have declined due to factors like habitat loss, overfishing, or the introduction of invasive species.

Translocation involves moving fish from one location to another within their native range. This can be done for various reasons, such as establishing new populations in areas where populations have significantly declined, like in the upper French Broad river. Three species that have been identified in the lower French Broad are the Smallmouth redhorse, Smallmouth buffalo, and the Black buffalo. These fish are sucker species that are prominent in the lower French Broad.

Moving Fish?

Biologist carefully collect fish and place them in holding tank, to safely translocate them to their new home.

Black Buffalo

This species like several other sucker fish have similar spawning habitats like salmon, with one exception: they return year after year to spawn!
Photo Credit: Luke Etchison

After collection and prior to release the biologist diligently work to collect data on the fish that are being translocated, including taking measurements, weights, and even PIT tagging them. PIT tagging is a process in which fish have a tracking tag injected, in which the microchip is activated only when it is near the specialized antenna that records the fish’s presence. This data is valuable for biologist to have, to monitor fish that have been moved.

Reintroduction involves releasing fish into their historical or native habitats from which they have disappeared. This can be a more complex process compared to translocation because the goal is to reestablish a self-sustaining population.

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