Sometimes you can go home again. At least, that’s what the yellowfin madtom did today, as U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith joined Northwood Middle School students, local officials and biologists to release 300 of these rare 4-inch catfishes into their new home in the North Fork Holston River in Smyth County, Virginia.
“Southwest Virginia is increasingly recognized as an extraordinary region in which to enjoy striking natural beauty and clean, healthy outdoor fun,” Griffith said. “It is a treat to participate in the release of the yellowfin madtom, and to express my thanks to local officials and organizations including the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Conservation Fisheries, Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee Aquarium for their work to maintain and improve our beautiful environment.”
The federally threatened madtom was last seen in the North Fork Holston River over 120 years ago. Since that time, pollution of this southwestern Virginia river led to the disappearance of 7 other fish species and more than 20 types of freshwater mussels. The river still harbors many other endangered and rare fish including logperch, spotfin chub and sickle darter.
“We realize the importance of all species, not just those that you can fish or hunt. Nongame fish like the yellowfin madtom compose over 90 percent of Virginia’s freshwater fish diversity; therefore, they are essential components of a healthy aquatic system,” said aquatic biologist Mike Pinder of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The North Fork Holston River is part of the Upper Tennessee River Basin, a hotbed of species diversity that harbors a whopping 255 species of fish and mussels. For years, partners have worked cooperatively to recover these rare animals and conserve supporting habitats.
“Our local rivers and streams in the Upper Tennessee River Basin provide us with drinking water, fishing, swimming, boating, inspiration, and many other services and opportunities,” said Roberta Hylton of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southwestern Virginia Field Office. “The health and well-being of people living within our local streams depend upon water quality. Working to conserve the diversity of aquatic life in our rivers means we will also be working to protect water quality and the interests of citizens.”
Improved water quality upstream of Saltville, Virginia, will allow the return of native fish. Smallmouth bass populations are increasing, and million-dollar investments in stream restoration and sewage treatment have further improved the river's health and water quality.
Releases will continue at the site by the school and at another site upstream of Saltville for at least 5 years. Prior to 1969, the yellowfin madtom was thought to be extinct but has since been found in four other locations in Virginia and Tennessee. Using Endangered Species Act funds, the non-profit Conservation Fisheries, Inc., has raised madtoms in captivity and successfully reintroduced the species into other parts of its historic range.
Due to the non-essential experimental population designation for the madtom in this part of the North Fork Holston River, activities on private lands are exempt from Endangered Species Act protections.
Partners in the effort include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Conservation Fisheries, Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, Virginia Tech, and Tennessee Aquarium.
