The Southeast Aquatics Fund supports watershed-based restoration projects to improve the health of aquatic systems and secure populations of native freshwater aquatic species in the southeastern United States. Initial focal geographies include watersheds within the Alabama-Mobile-Tombigbee, and the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basins and cattle-producing counties in Florida.
Partners
The Southeast harbors a diversity of freshwater species unparalleled anywhere else in the nation. At the same time, the number of at-risk aquatic species in this region is greater than anywhere else in the country, with many species petitioned or candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Major factors impacting these species include land-use changes, habitat fragmentation, declines in water quality and availability, and invasive species introductions.
The Southeast Aquatics Fund focal geographies were identified as priority watersheds due to their high conservation need and the viable opportunities they present for restoration and management strategies that address the key threats aquatic species face in their waters.
Priorities for the Southeast Aquatics Fund include implementing water quality and quantity best management practices through providing landowner outreach and assistance, improving connectivity, restoring riparian and in-stream habitat, and supporting assessment and prioritization activities in targeted watersheds of the Southeast. This habitat-based approach benefits a diversity of species, from game species to at-risk aquatic species, helping reduce the possibility of future listings under the ESA.
| 12/03/2019 | Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan | Download the PDF |
| 04/13/2021 | Program Fact Sheet | Download the PDF |
| 04/13/2021 | 2020 Grant Slate | Download the PDF |
| 04/13/2021 | 2019 Grant Slate | Download the PDF |
| 12/03/2019 | 2018 Grant Slate | Download the PDF |
| 04/13/2021 | 2017 Grant Slate | Download the PDF |
Program Director, Southern Coastal Programs
Related Species
Guadalupe bass
The Guadalupe bass is the state fish of Texas - the only place on earth where the species is found. The main threats to the species are reduced stream flow and hybridization with non-native smallmouth bass.
Freshwater mussels
Although mostly out of sight, the rivers of the United States are home to more than 300 freshwater mussel species – one of the highest counts in the world. They are beautiful and varied in terms of form, and important as indicators of stream health. Freshwater mussels not only depend on healthy waters, they contribute to that end by filtering vast amounts of water. Unfortunately, these species are at greater risk of extinction than any other group of its size in the nation.
Villosa mussels (Coosa creekshell)
The Coosa creekshell is a species of freshwater mussel that are endemic to the Coosa River Drainage in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Increased sedimentation and reduced aquatic connectivity for host fishes like sunfish and sculpins have caused population declines throughout their range.
