The Robust Redhorse in Peril

What's The Deal With the Fish?
The Imperiled Robust Redhorse

Background

The robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum), reaching more than 26 inches in length and weighing in excess of 17 pounds, is the largest species of redhorse sucker, a North American freshwater fish. Historically, the fish's range has included rivers throughout Georgia and South Carolina. In 1991, however, the only known population lived in a 50 mile section of the Oconee River between Milledgeville and Dublin, Georgia. Ichthyologists (fish experts) agreed that the species faced extinction in the next decade.

To address this threat, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) is conducting a reintroduction program. Recently, it introduced populations of the robust redhorse at two points on the Broad River. The Broad was chosen because it is one of few free-flowing rivers in Georgia. A Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee has also been established to assist with research and recommend stocking sites and densities.

But conditions in the Broad River are not perfect for the robust redhorse. The river has been heavily impacted by agriculture in the watershed. Although it has improved dramatically in recent decades, poor water quality poses a threat to the perpetuity of the robust redhorse. Habitat management is imperative.

The BRWA's Role

The Broad River Watershed Association (BRWA) is working closely with the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee (RRCC) and several other organizations to support repopulation of the robust redhorse in the Broad River.

RRCC's objectives focus on research of the fish's habitat and propagation needs. BRWA's role is to enhance and maintain this habitat. To this end it proposes to:

Identify and prioritize non-point pollution sources potentially impacting reintroduction sites.
Work with landowners to restore and maintain flood plain vegetation and water quality.
Establish a volunteer stream watch program for river clean up and water quality monitoring.
Develop educational materials and programs to involve residents in the robust redhorse conservation efforts and to inform them about the importance of water quality and biological diversity.
Develop a coalition of public and private organizations to support the initiatives of the RRCC.

Various organizations will be assisting the BRWA. A GIS database to be created by the Fanning Institute will help identify pollution sources that could impact reintroduction sites. BRWA will assist landowners in fencing in livestock and creating conservation easements with technical assistance from the GDNR and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Committee and legal assistance from the Georgia Environmental Policy Institute. Adopt-a-Stream will assist in setting up the water-quality monitoring programs.

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