Marine biologists with Tennessee Valley officials have begun their first investigation into fish populations at Lake Douglas in Dandridge, Tennessee since Hurricane Helen debris covered many East Tennessee waterways seven months ago.
The data they collect may indicate the impact that excess debris has had on the population of sports fish. The findings are compared to similar studies in Lake Douglas over the past 30 years. The fewer lake fish, or deformed, parasites, or injured fish, are red flags that enter the spawning season.
Scientists shocked the water around the research vessel, which strained the muscles of all fish within a 4-foot radius of the boat. Once the fish floated on top, they were inspected, measured and measured for defects.
All fish were released into the water after study.
Popular North Carolina destinations still working to recover from Hurricane Helen
“I think we can see here over the next few weeks, if anything, if anything,” said Lynn Williams, aquatic surveillance manager for TVA Fisheries. “Judging yesterday, things look within normal limits. We'll see if that's what the complete data says.”
Scientists impact the water and tense all the fish's muscles within a 4-foot radius from the research vessel. The fish floats on the surface before examining. (Fox News)
The structure in the water, like fragments, gives the fish a place to lay eggs, hunt and feed. TVA Fisheries biologist Kevin Parr said the disruption in coastal habitats may force them to find new places where fish can gather.
“It may move the fish, but the fish can move. They don't go anywhere. They may go deep or offshore,” Parr said.
Marine biologists with the Tennessee Valley Department look at fish populations at Lake Douglas in Dandridge, Tennessee. Many fish that have been deformed, parasites or injured can have red flags. (Fox News)
According to the Jefferson County Tourism Department, approximately 80% of tourism in the area comes from sport fishing. Skylar Hamilton said it would bring hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
“Of course there are other events. There are festivals. There are many more in Jefferson County, but the lake is our bread and butter,” Hamilton said.
Marine biologists are examining fish at Lake Douglas in Dandridge, Tennessee for the first time since Hurricane Helen. (Fox News)
Destroyed by the North Carolina town of Hurricane Helen, wanting to welcome tourists
Most fishing tournaments scheduled for Lake Douglas soon after Hurricane Helen was rescheduled until this spring fell into revenue from last year.
Approximately 80% of tourism in Jefferson County, Tennessee, comes from sports fishing at Lake Douglas. Fishing brings hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. (Fox News)
Lake Douglas has been cleaned up about 90%. More than 112,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed across the 351 miles of coastline.
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The Tennessee Department of Emergency Management estimates that 3.7 million cubic yards of debris have been removed from all Tennessee waterways in the past seven months.
