Key Focus Areas

• Aquatic Habitat Conservation

  

  Research shows that weakened and degraded aquatic habitats result in loss of biodiversity, a condition noted statistically by high numbers of 'at risk' species of fish and mussels. SARP promotes conservation efforts for the benefit of aquatic and human populations. read more >

• Aquatic Nuisance Species

  

  Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are nonindigenous plants, animals and microbes that threaten native species diversity or abundance, habitat stability, and commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities. To counter the impaces of ANS on the Southeast, SARP partners actively prevent new ANS introductions, limit the spread of existing ANS populations, and eradicate newly introduced ANS populations when possible. read more >

• Imperiled Fish

  

  Populations of threatened and endangered fish, mussels, and other aquatic life can become extinct without direct conservation and restoration efforts. Specific recovery actions such as breeding and stocking, regulations and habitat restoration may be selected to strengthen an imperiled species. read more >

• Inter-jurisdictional Fisheries

  Interjurisdictional fisheries are populations of aquatic life living in or migrating between waters under the jurisdiction of two or more states. Aquatic life is not limited by state borders and other political boundaries because many watersheds, often habitat boundaries for a population of fish or mussels, extend into more than one state. The appropriate agencies in the watershed-associated states manage the fisheries cooperatively. read more >

• Public Use

  

  The relationship between humans, animals and plants in the aquatic environment most be considered in conservation and restoration planning. Direct benefits of aquatic species -- food, clean water, and recreation -- for the vast majority of people in the southeastern U.S. are as important as the indirect economic and social values they represent. read more >

• Fishery Mitigation

  

  Without a conscious effort to conserve and protect existing fisheries and fish habitats, population increases and associated development can affect the size and quality of fisheries and habitats. Mitigation efforts moderate these effects, encouraging high quality angling opportunities and supporting good water quality for people and aquatic life. read more >