TVA Checking Health of Fish

By The Associated Press

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority is conducting it annual sport fish survey.

TVA began the count March 12 at Wilson Reservoir near Muscle Shoals, Ala.

By May 9, the utility will examine the health and abundance of species such as black bass and crappie in nine TVA reservoirs, concluding at Douglas Reservoir, east of Knoxville.

TVA biologists use mild electric shock to temporarily stun the fish and cause them to float to the surface. They are weighed, measured and counted and then are released. The agency notes the age, distribution and general health of each species.

Anyone interested in going with TVA biologists on the survey should call the TVA Environmental Information Center at 800-882-5263 to schedule a time. Space is limited.

The schedule is posted online at http://www.tva.com/river/fishsurvey.htm .