1. Reintroduction of Native Fish Species to Coal Creek

3. Coal Creek Background Fish populations in Coal Creek watershed have been stressed by land use practices dominated by a history of coal mining. Fish populations in Coal Creek watershed have been stressed by land use practices dominated by a history of coal mining.

4. Based on regional data, as many as 27 native fish species anticipated for the Coal Creek Watershed.

5. Most fish species (27) have survived sedimentation and water quality problems. Bigeye chubBlueside darter Scarlet shinerNorthern studfish Photos by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

6. Coal Creek Currently Some species have apparently been lost. Some species have apparently been lost. Coal Creek is isolated by cold releases from Norris Dam so missing species can not recruit naturally. Coal Creek is isolated by cold releases from Norris Dam so missing species can not recruit naturally.

7. Why attempt species restoration now? Efforts have been put forth by CCWF to restore the health of Coal Creek Efforts have been put forth by CCWF to restore the health of Coal Creek There are signs of environmental recovery (additional insect diversity and improved fish community indices). There are signs of environmental recovery (additional insect diversity and improved fish community indices). There is increased interest in restoring biodiversity. There is increased interest in restoring biodiversity.

8. Reintroduction Species Target Species Telescope shiner Telescope shiner Warpaint shiner Warpaint shiner Tennessee shiner Tennessee shiner Rainbow darter Rainbow darter Opportunistically collected species Fantail darter American brook lamprey

9. Telescope shiner

10. Telescope shiner attributes Widely distributed and sometimes common. Widely distributed and sometimes common. Eggs very adhesive and probably intolerant of silt. Eggs very adhesive and probably intolerant of silt. Specialized feeding and probably intolerant of turbidity. Specialized feeding and probably intolerant of turbidity. Individuals intolerant of pollution. Individuals intolerant of pollution.

11. Warpaint shiner Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

12. Warpaint shiner attributes Widely distributed in upper Tennessee River drainage. Widely distributed in upper Tennessee River drainage. Common. Common. Moderately tolerant of sedimentation. Moderately tolerant of sedimentation.

13. Tennessee shiner Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

14. Tennessee Shiner attributes Widely distributed in the Tennessee River drainage. Widely distributed in the Tennessee River drainage. Moderately intolerant of pollution. Moderately intolerant of pollution. Usually not found in streams as small as Coal Creek. Usually not found in streams as small as Coal Creek.

15. Rainbow darter Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

16. Rainbow darter attributes Distribution “spotty” in east Tennessee but usually common when found. Distribution “spotty” in east Tennessee but usually common when found. Moderately tolerant of sediment. Moderately tolerant of sediment.

17. Fantail darter Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

18. Fantail darter attributes Widely distributed and common in some small headwater streams. Widely distributed and common in some small headwater streams. Moderately intolerant of most forms of stream degradation. Moderately intolerant of most forms of stream degradation.

19. American brook lamprey Photo by Virginia Tech. Virtual Aquarium

20. American brook lamprey attributes Widely distributed but uncommon. Widely distributed but uncommon. Populations appear to be declining. Populations appear to be declining. Historically known from Coal Creek. Historically known from Coal Creek.

21. Potential benefits of fish species restoration Improve the biological integrity of Coal Creek and its tributaries (form and function). Improve the biological integrity of Coal Creek and its tributaries (form and function). Improved bioassessment ratings and healthier fisheries. Improved bioassessment ratings and healthier fisheries. Help preserve native fish diversity. Help preserve native fish diversity.

22. Volunteers or Questions for Coal Creek Fish Restoration Erin Schiding Erin Schiding University of Tennessee University of Tennessee Department of Forestry, Wildlife, & Fisheries Department of Forestry, Wildlife, & Fisheries 865-974-4963(office), eschidin@utk.edu 865-974-4963(office), eschidin@utk.edu or Joyce Coombs, 865-974-7229 jcoombs@utk.edu or Joyce Coombs, 865-974-7229 jcoombs@utk.edu

23. Thanks TDEC TDEC TVA TVA Americorps Americorps Clinch River Trout Unlimited Clinch River Trout Unlimited Coal Creek Watershed Foundation (CCWF) Coal Creek Watershed Foundation (CCWF) UT Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries UT Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries