Ashy Darter

 

Ashy Darter

https://www.fishbase.se/summary/3409
Etheostoma Cinereum
There are many species of small fish that most people have not heard of. One such species is called the Ashy Darter. It is also known as the Etheostomas Cinereum in the scientific community and it belongs to a classification that is called Teleostei.

These fish are pretty small and they are typically found in lengths of 6.9 cm. However, they can be found in sizes up to 12 cm. A unique trait of these fish is their large second dorsal fin. The specific population numbers for this species are unknown. It is rare to find this species with their rapid population loss.


http://www.kentuckyangling.com/magazine/blue-water-trails-north-fork-cumberland-river/
HABITAT and ROLE
The habitat of the Ashy Darter is freshwater pools or rivers with rocks and vegetation. Typically, they are found in river drainages. These are very shallows water with depths between 0 and 2 meters. This small fish is actually found pretty close to the Cincinnati area. It is found in states such as "Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama." Just like many other small fish, these fish provide energy in its food web. Without them, less energy would cause a decline in other species.


https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2021-07-09-water-research-commissions-siltation-programme/
SPECIES DECLINE and IMPORTANCE
The species is currently endangered due to human activity. Activities such as "impoundments, siltation, coal mining" and domestic/industrial pollution lead to their decline. Pools in which the Ashy Darter habitat are significantly more affected by siltation. Even though this species isn't the most popular, its decline can lead to lower numbers in larger species which is devastating for the ecosystem.  


                                                                          https://blog.nature.org/2019/04/08/recovery-darters-and-values/
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
In the Cumberland River and Big South Fork the species is protected by the National Park Service. Some organizations that protect the species are organizations like the Conservation Fisheries of Knoxville, TN. There is not sufficient funding to support strong conservation efforts for this species. Currently, there are recommendations for improvement of the area. This would include better practices in the Tennessee River drainage which is located in George. However, without the funds to provide much support for this fish, the situation is grave.


https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll10/id/8682/
SCIENTIFIC TOOLS
While funding restricts a lot of the effort in conservation of the Etheostomas Cinereum species, geographic tools have the potential to provide crucial strategies. For example, utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) combined with survey data, can provide crucial data for monitoring the water level in the habitat in which this species lives. This can help conservationists strategize prioritization for relocation of species in crucial areas.


Call for Change

There are some ways for individuals to help species like Ashy Darter. Here are some things you can do to help:

-Donate to the National Park Foundation to protect the habitat of this species 

-Volunteer to organizations like the Cumberland River Compact

-Spread the word about siltation

-Keep the waterways clean

-Come to events hosted by the Cumberland River Compact to connect with others with the same values and raise money for river conservation projects


Explore these links for the information sourced in the blog or to learn more about this species.

Links:

Fishbase

Georgia Biodiversity

i Naturalist

National Park Foundation

Cumberland River Compact


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