The Shadman Presents....Alabama Shad Restoration in the Apalachicola River Basin, Florida/Georgia

As the lead field biologist, I documented a project completed during 2005-2013 aimed at increasing Alabama Shad abundance in the Apalachicola River Basin (Georgia/Florida, USA). Biologists from Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University, Auburn University, and partner agencies (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and The Nature Conservancy) implemented the idea of restoring fish passage at Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam (JWLD) on the Apalachicola River using the boat/barge locking system as a means to increase Alabama shad abundance due to reconnection to better spawning and early-life rearing habitat. Telemetry studies completed concurrently with population abundance and population structure monitoring determined that Alabama shad did voluntarily pass JWLD via lock operations and continued their migration through Lake Seminole to higher quality spawning and juvenile rearing habitat. We also documented an increase in adult spawner returns after fish passage was restored. The film shares an overview of the Alabama shad field techniques; provides a visual of the scenario the Alabama shad experience during their migration at JWLD; how the lock was operated to successfully facilitate fish passage; and project outcomes.