Fisheries Stories

Noxubee's Ancient Occupants: Prehistoric fish discovered in the depths of Bluff Lake

Dr. Mike Colvin, assistant wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture professor, along with biologists at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge documented a high abundance of paddlefish in the refuge's Bluff Lake. Paddlefish are ancient fish that can grow up to six feet long and are traditionally found in much larger waterways. Researchers think the fish were drawn off course from their usual migration by the specific conditions created by the Noxubee spillage area. The team tagged the fish to see and track their migratory movements or if they are resident fish of the lake.

Once the team knows if the lake atmosphere is hurtful or livable for the prehistoric fish, they will proceed with management changes. If it is hurtful, the team will change it to where the fish are not attracted to the spillway that allows them into Bluff Lake. If the resident fish are not harmed by the environment the scientists will create a more environmentally conscious space for the fish in the lake with the conditions of the water and atmosphere.

2016