Douglas Lake Fish Population Surveyed After Hurricane Helene Debris Impact

Dandridge, Tennessee – Marine biologists with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have commenced a crucial survey of fish populations in Douglas Lake, located in Dandridge, Tennessee. This assessment marks the first of its kind since Hurricane Helene left a significant amount of debris scattered across numerous East Tennessee waterways seven months prior. The collected data holds the potential to reveal the extent of the impact that this excessive debris has had on the sport fish population, which is vital to the local economy.

The TVA’s findings will be meticulously compared against data gathered from similar surveys conducted on Douglas Lake over the past 30 years. Any deviations from the norm, such as a decline in the number of fish or the presence of deformities, parasites, or injuries, will serve as crucial red flags, especially as spawning season approaches.

To conduct the survey, scientists employed a technique involving the application of a mild electrical current to the water surrounding their research boat. This process temporarily tenses the muscles of all fish within a four-foot radius of the boat, causing them to float to the surface. Once the fish were gathered, researchers meticulously examined them for any signs of defects, measured their length and weight, and recorded their species. Importantly, all fish were released back into the water unharmed after the study was completed.

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

The presence of structures in the water, including debris, can both positively and negatively impact the fish population. TVA Fisheries Biologist Kevin Parr explained that these structures can provide fish with essential habitats for laying eggs, hunting for food, and feeding. However, a significant disruption in shoreline habitat caused by the influx of debris might force fish to seek out new locations 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 added, suggesting that the fish have adapted and relocated within the lake.

The potential impact on the local economy is a significant concern. According to the Jefferson County Tourism Department, approximately 80% of the tourism in the area is directly attributed to sport fishing. Skylar Hamilton, representing the department, emphasized the economic importance of the lake, stating, "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." Sport fishing brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to the local economy.

Following Hurricane Helene, most fishing tournaments scheduled on Douglas Lake were postponed until this spring, which negatively impacted last year’s revenue. The community is eager to see a return to normalcy and a thriving fishing season.

Fortunately, cleanup efforts on Douglas Lake are progressing well, with an estimated 90% of the debris removal completed. To date, more than 112,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from approximately 351 miles of shoreline. The sheer volume of debris highlights the significant impact of the hurricane.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) estimates that a staggering 3.7 million cubic yards of debris have been removed from all Tennessee waterways in the seven months following Hurricane Helene. This massive undertaking demonstrates the scale of the disaster and the commitment to restoring the state’s natural resources.

The TVA’s survey of fish populations in Douglas Lake is a crucial step in understanding the long-term ecological consequences of Hurricane Helene. The data gathered will inform future management decisions and contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the health and vitality of Tennessee’s waterways. The results of the survey will be eagerly anticipated by local residents, tourism officials, and anglers, all of whom have a vested interest in the well-being of Douglas Lake and its fish population. The continued commitment to monitoring and restoration efforts is essential to ensuring the sustainable use of this valuable natural resource for generations to come. The survey results will also serve as a valuable case study for other regions that may face similar challenges in the wake of natural disasters. Understanding the specific impacts on fish populations and the effectiveness of various restoration strategies can help communities better prepare for and respond to future events.