Updated Consideration of Federal Protections for River Herring And

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Updated Consideration of Federal Protections for River Herring And Updated Consideration of Federal Management for River Herring and Shad Stocks 2018 Discussion Document for the New England Fishery Management Council Prepared by Dr. Erika Zollett for the New England Fishery Management Council Draft document May 2018. Please do not distribute. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Previous Decisions on this Issue ..................................................................................... 5 1.2.1 NEFMC (2015) ........................................................................................................... 5 1.2.2 MAFMC (2013) and (2016)........................................................................................ 7 1.3 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and National Standard I Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 7 1.3.1 National Standards ...................................................................................................... 9 1.3.2 National Standard 1 guidelines ................................................................................. 10 2.0 Species and Fishery Information ...................................................................................... 15 2.1 Life History ................................................................................................................... 15 2.2 Stock Assessments ........................................................................................................ 16 2.3 Direct and Indirect Fisheries ......................................................................................... 19 2.3.1 Directed Commercial & Recreational Fisheries ....................................................... 20 2.3.2 Bycatch In Other Fisheries ........................................................................................ 21 2.4 Natural Mortality .......................................................................................................... 26 3.0 Updated Actions Since Last White Paper ......................................................................... 26 3.1 ASMFC Interstate FMP ................................................................................................ 26 3.2 River Herring Conservation Plan .................................................................................. 28 3.3 Atlantic Herring FMP ................................................................................................... 31 3.3.1 Amendment 6 ............................................................................................................ 31 3.3.2 2016-2018 Herring Specifications ............................................................................ 31 3.3.3 Industry Funded Monitoring Amendment ................................................................ 32 3.3.4 NEFMC Risk Policy ................................................................................................. 33 3.4 New Research ............................................................................................................... 34 3.4.1 Fish Passage .............................................................................................................. 34 3.4.2 Species Overlap Tool ................................................................................................ 35 3.4.3 Ecosystem Research.................................................................................................. 36 3.4.4 Climate Research ...................................................................................................... 39 3.4.5 Genetics..................................................................................................................... 39 3.4.6 Restocking................................................................................................................. 41 3.5 Related Lawsuits ........................................................................................................... 41 3.5.1 ESA Listing Determination....................................................................................... 41 2 3.5.2 Herring FMP Amendment 4 ..................................................................................... 42 3.5.3 Lawsuits from Other Regions ................................................................................... 43 4.0 Potential Actions ............................................................................................................... 44 4.1 No Action: Maintain Current Management Approach ................................................. 44 4.1.1 No Action but identify a future work priority to modify measures already in place in the Herring FMP (Sub-option A) .......................................................................................... 44 4.2 Implement Federal Management of RH/S Stocks/Fisheries ......................................... 45 4.2.1 Option A - Adding RH/S as Stocks in the Atlantic Herring FMP ............................ 45 4.2.2 Option B - Identifying RH/S as an ecosystem component species ........................... 46 4.2.3 Implementing a Quota Allocation Program .............................................................. 48 4.2.4 Managing RH/S through a New Federal FMP .......................................................... 49 4.3 Federal Management Considerations ............................................................................ 49 5.0 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 57 6.0 References ......................................................................................................................... 57 Appendix I: Additional Indices and Run Information – NEAMAP and NMFS Trawl Survey ... 61 Appendix II. Evaluation of State Management Programs for RH/S ............................................ 70 Appendix III. Federal Statutes That Could Provide RH/S Protections ........................................ 79 Appendix IV: Recent Dam Removals........................................................................................... 83 3 Acronyms ABC Acceptable Biological Catch ACL Annual Catch Limit ACT Annual Catch Target AM Accountability Measure ASMFC Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission/Commission EC Ecosystem Component EFH Essential Fish Habitat ESA Endangered Species Act DMF Division of Marine Fisheries FMP Fishery Management Plan IFM Industry-Funded Monitoring MAFMC Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council MSA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield NEAMAP Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program NEFMC/Council New England Fishery Management Council NEFOP Northeast Fisheries Observer Program NEFSC Northeast Fisheries Science Center NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OFL Overfishing Limit PDT Plan Development Team RH/S River Herring/Shad RSA Research Set-Aside SARC Stock Assessment Review Committee SAS Stock Assessment Subcommittee SAW Stock Assessment Workshop SFMP Sustainable Fishery Management Plan SOF Stocks in the Fishery SSC Scientific and Statistical Committee TEWG Technical Expert Working Group 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background In January 2015, the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) considered the addition of four species, including two river herring (blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)) and two shad (American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and hickory shad (Alosa mediocris)) species, into the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council reviewed a Discussion Document that summarized management and legal considerations of river herring and shad, which will be collectively be referred to throughout this document as river herring/shad or RH/S. Information about events leading up to the 2015 Discussion Document can be found in that document, and aside from a brief background, are not included here (NEFMC 2015). In 2015, the Council decided not to include RH/S stocks in the FMP but to revisit the question in three years. This document continues this consideration of RH/S management by the Council. Since 2015, there has been new research, updated stock assessments and data collection, management guidance, and legal considerations in addition to a 2016 white paper on the same issue produced by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) (Didden 2016). This document summarizes the updated information to support Council deliberations related to the potential federal management of RH/S. Currently RH/S fisheries are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), since directed fisheries occur primarily in state waters. The Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Shad & River Herring was approved in 1985 and was one of the very first FMPs developed by the ASMFC. Adding RH/S as stocks to the Atlantic Herring FMP or developing a new FMP for RH/S by the Council would initiate federal management of the RH/S stocks and fisheries, and would need to be done in a manner that is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), including the National
Recommended publications
  • CHATHAM County 32.038237N 81.027567W 80.948434W
    32.038237N 1990 COUNTY BLOCK MAP (RECREATED): CHATHAM County 32.038237N 81.027567W 80.948434W Battery Cir rB any s W oo d s Cir n F a lli ga n At ev r L e r e e 221* v r k s Ct eave umn L Aut Mapmaker Ln a Ropemaker Ln A l D m m t Ropemaker Ln l p i g Mel rose Ave m t C n aker L Mapm 405* s n a d r D s ind W er mm u S a B ak e r D r n n g i r t i t C r e m m Su n ia d In l l W e 302* A ve t A an llig Fa v m e W Old Dock Rd ood nil e Dr s 204* er Ln Catch Oyster t m e o 219* LEGEND r u d 303* C l i a n Richardson Creek M a pm ak er C v t Ave e os elr M e c Johny Mercer Blvd h e Stevedores Cy r 306* D L p n r D s d n i W r e m m u S r h H m am om kc V wei r F gal his p C t m s m Stevedores Ct a D o SYMBOL NAME STYLE Sh c o er c er t s Ct r k B o w s p r i t L n Stone b dir eg Dr Dr y Ba k a o V r n 305 D e e b g e d v r i i e C d w r C s y a r G r V k w i m e c n w o 220* t s m N Bloc kade Ct 304* i Grays Creek a l m p s iew k V oc mm Ha I Hammock View r INTERNATIONAL r D d n a l s I h s r a m t i h W i t Landward Wy ranB ne n Dr n 0 8 y w H S U L a L aM yr 's tC Isla nd s Exw y Gunpowder Ct n n r n e D n e Foremast Ln t C y a t s e r o F N d R sh r a M h rt o N g de Ln Blocka AIR r T e t t e o G d S Forestay Ct l i 307* l Pla n kh ous e Rd S Blockade Ct a r 301* H b n Palm Grove Ct Talahi Island Pl a m e Hall Lyman Trust Land i r wder D Gunpo n h a l L my na Ha Cll t o r t C i h la a T D n L dge i r b ne o St n ir C hi la Ta t C a d y a C t t s Dr Redan 308 b 311 aT la i h rD TJSA / TDSA / ANVSA Ct Bobstay Bowsprit Ct d r 205* uT nr ers C r R D r e r e C e t e v k n s n R o e i y d r a o b e G P 309 y r Rd k ree C Grays t s T s m l Dr int st Po Ea Grove Palm STATE (or statistically equivalent entity) d r r rC i D Coqu ena Dr d R e e b y T ld O C n a q Dr e Lak d 312 u Dr dan Re e a Ke n y sI la n d Dr 0 n ir C a n e u q o C t s a E a COUNTY (or statistically equivalent entity) 8 H re on N s e ts y e Bull River r 401* C u e d a r V ie w C t o y D I n s W i l m i n g t o n R q s 310 w l r a 1 o H N n 313 e a Cir oquen West C d 80 y Hw E s t MINOR CIVIL DIV.
    [Show full text]
  • Greater Savannah
    80 405 Airways Ave S Coastal Hwy 26 104 21 17 Savannah Pooler Pky Tanger Outlets Savannah/ National 25 Wildlife Hilton Head Refuge Int'l Airport Bourne Ave A B (SAV)C D E F G H I HERTY AVE ROTHWELL ST BOU P RNE (ExitRO 104 GARDEN National MuseumBLV D 80 D U A 405 C AZALEA AVE T u A AVE Speedway Blvd W 26 of the Mighty SU HILL R g CITYMELI WH P IG D CA P r ATLE off PI-95)O D B u IP Y A K BLOOMINGDALE ST D R WINGS RD s e T R V ROMMEL RD IN V Q A N Eighth Air Force D R t R v L E W T D U a N L A i IN B R E S S S SAN DR E O V KIE Y R D D E R N D R R O N R D N E A E d E A O L LL A V t T I V E T M V h R S E E E E N V BRAMPTON RD ig L A I r L A E SOUTH K Y V d W D O ELI WHITNEY BLVD AW B A n H D C S l I H E L A L L a S Rogers St M G E a O S h n LEGEND r S SKINNER AVE 102 S a a Old River Rd d l RU Main St nn C CAROLINA i Pooler a 21 e n n a ATHILL RD v e DR 17 a E B a d N Ocial Visit 1 C Park P C H Y n IO Bloomingdale Rd ipem W CK S u T Savannah a M akers A DA n AD V D N 16 ISON E U JO Information a AVE 95 C FO H l H BELL ST N Centers N A ST 404 L R O E SHARON CT L N POOLER DJS WAY IE D I S WESTON WAY G R T S A D Parking K Y RE VD R D ISU 3 BL A LE R N VE Hutchinson Back River Daufuskie P PIN 307 R D LE A E BA S 8 AL P RRE Pooler Pky Louisville Rd 4 T RO N Island Island Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Pkway N RD TH TH LA Restrooms Pine Barren Rd S LA TH Pine Barren Rd OLD LOUISVILLE RD VE T W RO A P IS E A AV 80 V V RYANS WAY D E Pooler Cross Rd SHEFTALL RD FOX ST A Places of Interest AS R 8TH ST N HW D 80 E T Calibogue OOD 516 WELDON ST T S GODBEE
    [Show full text]
  • B-132 Miocene Aquitard and Floridan
    •:.·" :.-.i.'' ~ . ' . ,- ...- ·_, \ .., . '... ;_ .. · -. r··:, • . ·, ., ·'·... ' -~ :7', ....... _ _!. '. ~ ._ .. ,··; :' ..· ~ .. ·. ...,\ ., -~ ', ·, ·, -~ ·, ";. ... _;., , .. ' - '~--~ . ;;.~:· Mio~n·e '.I·· ., aqultard ~ .. ... ; . ~ ; :• o • ~ • I . ·, .~ ,'.' ~ .·'. ·.-· ·,. '' -·' ... • • • '·· j '~ ., -·.: . ~ ~- .. ,- ,• . '·. 1 • ·\ ·( ·, _;~.... -- '._.·,i'' . •.. · •,' . ., - ' ., ': :' }_ '' ... -:·,; ,•,- ''·.'- ·. ·....... ·~. ) • I ;"'!-" .:·:··:'I;· .~ ·.··.. '•. ~.:' ' .:._ ,1, ·... ·' ·..: --~--:. t .... ,, :.' . ·,.;·_ :·:. -·.~. ·. ,..... ' .. ,~~'_.,,,r_: ... !'' . .'. ~ '· . ... ·-.-. : .. ~ . ,' ' :'1- ,. t '. -' • ' ,I ~ ) • ,' .: ·.·-· ::;· ', • '' ~ I : L,' • •':·· ,._. '.1 ,..... _ ; .' f ~ ', I .J' ••• \' .\ ' .. ... '•j'-' ,· ~ ' . ,: -:·. :· ~· ~- ~ ,i,. • _.. ·_, ·-· i_ ·: .•' -~ . -:. .,._ ... •' :. -;~.' ._i.- •':J" .... ' ' .. ·-. ...._ .. : ',, :_ ~ ,'. ,. -~· . '-.·.·,'·:::·-1''• THE MIOCENE AQUITARD AND THE FLORIDAN AQUIFER OF THE GEORGIA I SOUTH CAROLINA COAST: GEOPHYSICAL MAPPING OF POTENTIAL SEAWATER INTRUSION SITES Anthony M. Foyle Georgia Southern University, Applied Coastal Research Laboratory Vernon J. Henry Georgia Southern University, Applied Coastal Research Laboratory Clark R. Alexander Skidaway Institute of Oceanography GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Lonice C. Barrett, Commissioner ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION Harold F. Reheis, Director GEORGIA GEOLOGIC SURVEY William H. Mclemore, State Geologist Atlanta 2001 Bulletin 132 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides the Georgia
    [Show full text]
  • Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish
    Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish e Fe ap ar C R p i i v e h r s developed by P r a r t n e April 2013 The Cape Fear River Partnership The Cape Fear River Partnership was formed in 2011 with a vision of a healthy Cape Fear River for fish and people. The partnership's mission is to restore and demonstrate the value of robust, productive, and self-sustaining stocks of migratory fish in the Cape Fear River. Building on the momentum of the newly constructed fish passage at Lock & Dam #1, this partnership of key federal, state, local, academic, and other organizations in the region is working together on this multi-year action plan. Using a broad range of tools and capabilities, we seek to provide long-term, habitat-based solutions for the most pressing challenges for migratory fish. The partnership strives to measure achievement of our mission with the following targets: increased fish populations (as measured by catch-per-unit efforts, improved age structure, and other techniques), increased recreational fishing success for shad, striped bass, and river herring (as measured by creel surveys), and a re-opened striped bass and river herring harvest in the Cape Fear River. The following organizations are members of the Cape Fear River Partnership: American Rivers (AR) Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Cape Fear River Assembly Cape Fear River Watch (CFRW) City of Wilmington Dial Cordy and Associates Inc. (DC&A) Eagles Island Coalition Fayetteville Public Works Commission
    [Show full text]
  • Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish
    Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish e Fe ap ar C R p i i v e h r s developed by P r a r t n e April 2013 The Cape Fear River Partnership The Cape Fear River Partnership was formed in 2011 with a vision of a healthy Cape Fear River for fish and people. The partnership's mission is to restore and demonstrate the value of robust, productive, and self-sustaining stocks of migratory fish in the Cape Fear River. Building on the momentum of the newly constructed fish passage at Lock & Dam #1, this partnership of key federal, state, local, academic, and other organizations in the region is working together on this multi-year action plan. Using a broad range of tools and capabilities, we seek to provide long-term, habitat-based solutions for the most pressing challenges for migratory fish. The partnership strives to measure achievement of our mission with the following targets: increased fish populations (as measured by catch-per-unit efforts, improved age structure, and other techniques), increased recreational fishing success for shad, striped bass, and river herring (as measured by creel surveys), and a re-opened striped bass and river herring harvest in the Cape Fear River. The following organizations are members of the Cape Fear River Partnership: American Rivers (AR) Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Cape Fear River Assembly Cape Fear River Watch (CFRW) City of Wilmington Dial Cordy and Associates Inc. (DC&A) Eagles Island Coalition Fayetteville Public Works Commission
    [Show full text]
  • 90 Dams Removed in 2019 to Restore Rivers
    90 Dams Removed in 2019 to Restore Rivers American Rivers releases annual list including dams in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin for a total of 26 states. Nationwide, 1,722 dams have been removed from 1912 through 2019. Dam removal brings a variety of benefits to local communities, including restoring river health and clean water, revitalizing fish and wildlife, improving public safety and recreation, and enhancing local economies. Working in a variety of functions with partner organizations throughout the country, American Rivers contributed financial and technical support in many of the removals. Contact information is provided for dam removals, if available. For further information about the list, please contact Jessie Thomas-Blate, American Rivers, Director of River Restoration at 202.347.7550 or [email protected]. This list includes all dam removals reported to American Rivers (as of February 6, 2020) that occurred in 2019, regardless of the level of American Rivers’ involvement. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by American Rivers. Dams are categorized alphabetically by state. Howle and Turner Dam, Tallapoosa River, Alabama The removal of Howle and Turner Dam was in the works for over four years. This project was the result of a great partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program and the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network. The Service coordinated the pre-restoration planning and worked with their Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation Aquatic Habitat Restoration Team to carry out the demolition and restoration of the river channel.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Managers Database
    Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ASMFC Habitat Managers Database ASMFC Habitat Management Series # 6 December 2000 ASMFC Habitat Management Series #6 ASMFC Habitat Managers Database Compiled by C. Dianne Stephan1 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Karen Greene2 Fisheries Consultant and Robin L. Peuser Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor Washington, DC 20005 Authors current addresses: 1National Marine Fisheries Service, 1 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930; 25924 Jessup Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Acknowledgements This document was prepared with assistance from a great number of people who provided information or reviewed the accuracy of the draft document. The document was a number of years in the making, and the authors apologize in advance for any folks we may have neglected to acknowledge. Individuals who provided information or reviewed drafts include: Seth Barker (ME DMR), David Bower (VA MRC), Scott Carney (PA FBC), Lou Chiarella (NMFS), Ted Diers (NH OSP), Rob Dunlap (SC DNR), Tim Goodger (NMFS), Karen Greene (NMFS), Pat Hughes (NC DCM), Eric Hutchins (NMFS), Bill Ingham (NH F&G), Mark Jacobsen (NOAA/NOS), Rick Jacobson (CT DEP), Charlie Lesser (DE DNREC), Lenny Nero (FL DEP), Art Newell (NY DEC), Vern Nulk (NMFS), Randy Owen (VA MRC), Joe Pelczarski (MA DCM), Chris Powell (RI DFW), Susan Shipman (GA DNR), Stuart Stevens (GA DNR). The ASMFC Habitat and FMPs Committee provided oversight for the development of this document. The Committee currently includes Pat Hughes (NC CZM, Co-chair), Lenny Nero (FL DEP, Co-chair), Tom Bigford (NMFS), Wilson Laney (USFWS), and Ralph Spagnolo (EPA).
    [Show full text]
  • Shad and River Herring Management Board
    Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Shad and River Herring Management Board February 4, 2021 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Webinar Draft Agenda The times listed are approximate; the order in which these items will be taken is subject to change; other items may be added as necessary. 1. Welcome/Call to Order (M. Armstrong) 8:30 a.m. 2. Board Consent 8:30 a.m. • Approval of Agenda • Approval of Proceedings from August 2020 3. Public Comment 8:35 a.m. 4. Consider Management Response to the 2020 Shad Benchmark Assessment 8:45 a.m. and Peer Review (M. Armstrong) • Review Technical Committee Recommendations (B. Neilan) • Advisory Panel Report (P. Lyons Gromen) 5. Review Technical Committee Recommendations on Improvements to 9:30 a.m. Amendments 2 and 3 (B. Neilan) Possible Action 6. Break 10:30 a.m. 7. Consider Shad Habitat Plan Updates Action 10:45 a.m. • Review Technical Committee Recommendations (B. Neilan) 8. Consider Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance for the 11:10 a.m. 2019 Fishing Year (C. Starks) Action 9. Review and Populate Advisory Panel Membership (T. Berger) Action 11:25 a.m. 10. Other Business/Adjourn 11:30 a.m. This meeting will be held via webinar, click here for details. Sustainable and Cooperative Management of Atlantic Coastal Fisheries MEETING OVERVIEW Shad and River Herring Management Board February 4, 2021 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Webinar Chair: Mike Armstrong (MA) Technical Committee Chair: Law Enforcement Committee Assumed Chairmanship: 10/19 Brian Neilan (NJ) Representative: L.Furlong (PA) Vice Chair: Advisory Panel Chair: Previous Board Meeting: Justin Davis Pam Lyons Gromen August 4, 2020 Voting Members: ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC, PRFC, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, NMFS, USFWS (19 votes) 2.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Rivers of Georgia
    Sl. No River Name Draining Into 1 Savannah River Atlantic Ocean 2 Black Creek Atlantic Ocean 3 Knoxboro Creek Atlantic Ocean 4 Ebenezer Creek Atlantic Ocean 5 Brier Creek Atlantic Ocean 6 Little River Atlantic Ocean 7 Kettle Creek Atlantic Ocean 8 Broad River Atlantic Ocean 9 Hudson River Atlantic Ocean 10 Tugaloo River Atlantic Ocean 11 Chattooga River Atlantic Ocean 12 Tallulah River Atlantic Ocean 13 Coleman River Atlantic Ocean 14 Bull River Atlantic Ocean 15 Shad River Atlantic Ocean 16 Halfmoon River Atlantic Ocean 17 Wilmington River Atlantic Ocean 18 Skidaway River Atlantic Ocean 19 Herb River Atlantic Ocean 20 Odingsell River Atlantic Ocean 21 Ogeechee River Atlantic Ocean 22 Little Ogeechee River (Chatham County) Atlantic Ocean 23 Vernon River Atlantic Ocean 24 Canoochee River Atlantic Ocean 25 Williamson Swamp Creek Atlantic Ocean 26 Rocky Comfort Creek Atlantic Ocean 27 Little Ogeechee River (Hancock County) Atlantic Ocean 28 Bear River Atlantic Ocean 29 Medway River Atlantic Ocean 30 Belfast River Atlantic Ocean 31 Tivoli River Atlantic Ocean 32 Laurel View River Atlantic Ocean 33 Jerico River Atlantic Ocean 34 North Newport River Atlantic Ocean 35 South Newport River Atlantic Ocean 36 Sapelo River Atlantic Ocean 37 Broro River Atlantic Ocean 38 Mud River Atlantic Ocean 39 Crescent River Atlantic Ocean 40 Duplin River Atlantic Ocean 41 North River Atlantic Ocean 42 South River Atlantic Ocean 43 Darien River Atlantic Ocean 44 Altamaha River Atlantic Ocean 45 Ohoopee River Atlantic Ocean 46 Little Ohoopee River Atlantic Ocean
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia's Water Resources
    Georgia’s Water Resources: A Blueprint for the Future other uses. Industrial and mining operations use water for a wide Georgia’s variety of purposes. Large amounts of water are used to irrigate fields so as to produce maximum crop yields, especially during Water Resources periods of drought. Fossil fuel and nuclear power plants, though they do not consume much water, depend on large amounts of Population growth and economic prosperity in the state of water for power production. Our water use varies significantly Georgia are due in large part to our considerable water resources. by season. In the summer of 2004, irrigation used an estimated Georgia contains parts of fourteen major river systems and 2,890 million gallons per day (mgd), 1,820 mgd was withdrawn for multiple groundwater aquifer systems. Though water in Georgia municipal and industrial supply, and 2,530 mgd was withdrawn for seems to be abundant, it is not an unlimited resource. In recent use in thermoelectric power generation. In the winter months, 184 years, Georgia’s water use has expanded rapidly, growing by more mgd was used for irrigation, 1,420 mgd for municipal and industrial than 20% between 1990 and 2000. The population growth and uses, and 2,190 mgd for thermoelectric power production. economic development which have contributed significantly to that expansion are expected to continue. Changing agricultural We also derive significant benefits from rivers and streams them- practices and recent droughts have also led Georgia’s farmers to selves. Streams and lakes provide valuable recreation areas, where depend more heavily on irrigation to keep their crops healthy.
    [Show full text]
  • Reservoirs in Georgia: Meeting Water Supply Needs While Minimizing Impacts
    Reservoirs in Georgia: Meeting Water Supply Needs While Minimizing Impacts River Basin Science and Policy Center Institute of Ecology Ecology Building University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-2602 www.rivercenter.uga.edu (706)583-0282 Reservoirs in Georgia: Meeting Water Supply Needs While Minimizing Impacts May 2002 Edited by: Gail Cowie Contributors: Mary Davis Skelly Holmbeck-Pelham Bud Freeman Mary Freeman Kathy Hatcher Rhett Jackson Alice Miller Keyes Mike Merrill Judy Meyer Ellen Sutherland Seth Wenger River Basin Science and Policy Center Ecology Building The University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 (706) 583-0282 www.rivercenter.uga.edu Acknowledgements: The River Basin Science and Policy Center would like to thank Merryl Alber, Andy Keeler, Jim Kundell and Todd Rasmussen for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper; Jan Coyne for graphic and cartographic assistance; Tyson Young and Erin Josey for administrative support; and Joycelyn Trigg for editorial assistance. Funding for production and printing was provided by The University of Georgia’s College of the Environment and Design and that assistance is also gratefully acknowledged. The University of Georgia’s River Basin Science and Policy Center publishes white papers to provide a multidisciplinary forum for the discussion of water resources issues. Center white papers explore contemporary state, regional, national, and international water resources topics and the policy questions they raise. Papers are reviewed for accuracy and clarity. Views expressed in Center white papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Center faculty and staff, The University of Georgia, or other institutions with which the authors are affiliated.
    [Show full text]
  • Etowah River Basin Stressors Analysis
    Etowah River Basin Stressors Analysis Construction site on Westbrook Creek, Cobb County; an example of a stressor to imperiled fish species in the Etowah. Photo by Jesslyn Storey. Byron Freeman, Seth Wenger, Sarah McClurg and Carrie Straight Prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service July 5, 2002 Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4 A. The Etowah River Basin and Its Fauna.................................................................................. 4 B. The Nature Conservancy’s Site Conservation Plan ............................................................... 5 II. The Stressors ............................................................................................................................ 12 Urbanization in the Etowah ...................................................................................................... 12 Stressors to Sensitive Fish: A Conceptual Model..................................................................... 12 The Stressors............................................................................................................................. 13 High Water Temperature ...................................................................................................... 13 Chemical Pollutants. ............................................................................................................. 13 High Turbidity .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]