In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s wrath, a quiet scientific rescue unfolds on Douglas Lake as experts work to ensure both the ecosystem and local economy bounce back.
At a Glance
- Electrofishing survey shows normal fish health
- Scientists monitoring for invasive species spread
- Storm debris cleanup clears 112,000 cubic yards
- Tourism accounts for 80% of local revenue
Post-Storm Survey Begins
Seven months after Hurricane Helene battered East Tennessee, scientists from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are back on Douglas Lake, testing the health of its aquatic life. The main tool of choice: electrofishing, a precise technique that stuns fish without harming them, allowing biologists to evaluate their condition.
Kurt Lakin, a TVA fisheries biologist, explained how the process works. “Electricity will flow into the water, creating a bubble and any fish that comes in contact with it will be temporarily stunned, and float to the top where we can bring them with a long handled dip net,” he told Yahoo News.
Watch WJHL’s report on the incident at “Were Fish Affected by Helene?”.
Data-Driven Conservation
Beyond surface observations, the TVA team is analyzing age, size, and signs of disease in multiple fish species. According to WJHL, species like largemouth bass—crucial to the area’s economy and sportfishing culture—are a focus of the survey.
“We’re going to check them for disease and parasites, and what this does is gives us a snapshot of what the fish community looks like,” said biologist John Justice. The findings will be compared to 30 years of data, offering insight into how Helene’s deluge affected the lake.
Despite the storm’s impact, early signs are encouraging. “It looks like the fishery is holding up pretty well,” Lakin told WJHL. He noted the population seemed healthy and abundant.
Cautious Optimism and Ongoing Threats
Still, officials remain vigilant. TVA’s Lyn Williams noted to Fox News, “Judging off yesterday, things look within normal range. We’ll see if that’s what the complete data says or not.” Long-term effects could take weeks to determine fully.
Meanwhile, concerns persist about invasive species such as the Alabama spotted bass. These aggressive fish can disrupt native populations, making constant monitoring necessary. Kevin Parr, another TVA biologist, added, “They might go deep or go offshore. They’re not going anywhere.”
Ecological Health Tied to Economic Future
Douglas Lake is more than a scenic landmark—it’s the economic heartbeat of Jefferson County. Tourism, primarily lake-based, makes up 80% of local revenue, according to Fox News. Festivals and events bring in dollars, but the fish draw crowds.
As Skylar Hamilton told Fox News, “We have festivals… but the lake is our bread and butter.” With 112,000 cubic yards of storm debris already removed, attention now turns to safeguarding fish health and habitat.
By tracking these subtle ecological shifts, TVA and TWRA aim to protect both the lake’s biodiversity and the businesses it sustains. With continued vigilance, Douglas Lake’s waters may well remain teeming with life—and livelihood—for years to come.
