TWRA Reservoir Crew from left to right. Mike Jolley, Brian Letner, Brandon Ragland, Jon Ellis, Perry Massengill, and Felix Fugate
TWRA Reservoir crew unloading fish for aquarium
TWRA Reservoir crew unloading fish for aquarium
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III fisheries reservoir crew and the Tellico Hatchery provided fish for the new Hamilton County Bass Pro Shop aquarium. The 12,000-gallon aquarium was stocked with fish species popular with anglers such as largemouth bass and rainbow trout. The primary goal of the display is to highlight the diversity of angling opportunities in the Chattanooga area. The aquarium will also educate the public regarding the success of TWRA’s fisheries work throughout the state.
“Our fisheries program has grown tremendously over the past several decades,” said TWRA Region 3 fisheries manager Mark Thurman. We’ve had seven state fish records broken since January, 2015 and angling opportunities continue to increase.” Tennessee has at least 315 species of fish, the greatest diversity of fish found in all other inland states of North America.
TWRA biologists examine reservoirs, lakes and streams across the state. Stocking programs continue to be successful and the overall health of Tennessee waters is improving. Thurman continued, “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Bass Pro Shop and showcase some of Tennessee’s fish. The success of TWRA fisheries program is reflected in the number of new state fish records, tournaments and tourism surrounding angling in the state. TWRA’s goal is to continue to protect and enhance wildlife throughout the state.
TWRA employees will be present during the stores Night for Conservation and its official opening at 6 p.m. on July 13, when 50 percent of sales will be donated to conservation. For more information about Tennessee’s fish visit: http://www.tn.gov/twra/topic/fishing-information