Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity in Georgia

Christopher E. Skelton
Georgia Natural Heritage Program, 2117 U.S. Hwy. 278, SE, Social Circle, GA 30025; (770) 918-6411, (706) 557-3033, chris_skelton@mail.dnr.state.ga.us

The southeastern United States is widely recognized as the global center of temperate freshwater biodiversity. The number of fish, mussel, crayfish, and snail species in Georgia represents approximately 25 percent of the national total. As is common throughout the Southeast and the United States, many of these species are declining. Several factors contributing to these declines have been identified, including siltation, chemical pollution, and physical alteration of streams and rivers. One difficulty that many state agencies face when trying to combat these problems is lack of a consistent funding source. In 1997, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources began receiving monies from sales of a special wildlife license plate. These funds support projects aimed at conservation, education, and land acquisition. The top priority identified for use of this money was the Aquatic Fauna Conservation Initiative. As a result, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division hired an aquatic biologist whose duties include conservation and management of imperiled aquatic species. These monies have also contributed to studies and conservation of the robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) and the recent acquisition of a State Natural Area along the Conasauga River. Other important projects needed to facilitate protection of nongame aquatic species in Georgia are distribution surveys, detailed life history studies, and instream flow studies.