Reconnecting Alabama’s rivers: Why it’s important + how to help

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Did you know that Alabama is home to more kinds of freshwater fish, mussels, crayfish, snails and turtles than any state in the U.S.?

We also have some of the most barriers to freshwater animal reproduction. According to the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, our state has 22,961 dams impeding the free flow of our rivers and streams. 

That jaw-dropping number deserves repeating. 22,961.

Dams and other barriers stop fish and other critters in their tracks. 

In our first two stories about fish migration, we examined the challenges a number of Alabama fish confront when they attempt to move within our waterways to reproduce and why scientists call a small fish, Trispot darter, the “Salmon of the South.” 

In this third installment, we’ll look at how folks can get involved to help fish move through our waters and thrive, through education or joining a local partnership. 

Removing dams + barriers to fish in Alabama rivers requires partnerships

Naturalists and scientists agree rivers that flow freely in Alabama have more abundant and healthier life.

“Alabama has such unique fish and aquatic wildlife, but even the smallest dams and road crossings can disconnect the habitat or spawning areas. We want to reconnect these rivers and streams so they can swim free. In most cases, a reconnected river is a healthier river.”

Ben Wegleitner, Watershed Restoration Specialist, The Nature Conservancy in Alabama

The key to reconnecting our rivers and waterways is partnerships.

Alabama is fortunate to have a unique partnership that brings all stakeholders to the table called the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network.

How Alabama Rivers and Streams Network reconnects rivers for clean water

Established after decades of conservation battles over rivers and endangered species issues, the Network enables people and groups from all walks of life to work together for clean water.

It’s not a formal group. No staff. Just a partnership with a common goal.

“The whole mission (of the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network) is clean water and stream and river connectivity.

“Our focus is on protecting our aquatic species, because we know if we put efforts toward their protection, healthier water quality will result.”

Rebecca Bearden, Geological Survey of Alabama

The Network is very effective. 

Its partners have accomplished the following:

• Conducted 5,000 stream crossing assessments, helping remove barriers to fish moving in numerous local communities
• Removed 5 large dams
• Reintroduced 22 species of mussels and fish in 20 rivers and streams

Perhaps more impressive, almost every group imaginable takes part in the Network. Federal and state agencies, industry, private landowners, forestry groups, water systems, farmers and rural water associations.

Some of the leading non-profit groups include:

• Alabama Rivers Alliance
• Alabama Rivers and Streams Network
• Alabama Water Watch
• Alabama Wildlife Federation
• Nature Conservancy in Alabama
• Alabama Association of RC&D Councils
• Waterkeeper Alabama (8 Riverkeeper/Baykeeper groups)
• Land Trusts: Freshwater Land Trust, Land Trust of North Alabama and others

All of these groups welcome supporters and volunteers.

River snorkeler, Seth Patterson, shares stunning shots of rare darters

Supporting the cause of fish migration does not always have to be in meeting rooms and auditoriums.

Another way people can advocate for the fish in Alabama is by seeing them up close and sharing the experience.

If you are active in river groups on Facebook, you have probably seen stunning photos of darters and shiners by Seth Patterson, a conservation photographer from Brundridge, a town outside of Troy, Alabama.

While it is difficult to capture images of these tiny fish, Patterson publishes special, closeup shots to get you face to face with them.

Patterson’s canvas is Alabama’s rivers and streams, and his paintbrush is snorkeling and cameras.

“Snorkeling, especially in shallow creeks and rivers, is really the only way to get out and experience these ecosystems in a way that is in their most natural state.”

Seth Patterson

Snorkeling is a life-changing way to see up close not only fish, but also mussels, snails and crayfish. Primarily a “do-it-yourself” activity in Alabama (best done with companions for safety), equipment can be acquired through local scuba diving outfitting groups, such as:

• Blue Water Park in Pelham
• Gulf Coast Divers in Mobile
• Adventure Sports in Auburn
• North Alabama Dive Center

Patterson describes spending almost an entire day in the water, quietly watching and capturing images.

“Photography is a very slow sport. You have to stop and really compose your pictures.

I strongly believe our rivers are the lifeblood of the planet. When we start seeing our rivers and waterways degrade, that not only affects the fish and things that live in it, but ultimately affects all life on earth, including us. Keeping the ecosystems intact is a big part of keeping those rivers and creeks healthy.”

Seth Patterson

In addition to snorkeling and capturing fish on film, connect with groups that get you out on a river or stream. Some of our favorites include:

• Alabama Scenic River Trails
• Birmingham Canoe Club and Huntsville Canoe Club (Learn more about other groups – here)

Important note: Please enjoy these rare animals in their habitat and resist the urge to capture them. 

Start reconnecting Alabama’s rivers and steams

It doesn’t matter where you are in Alabama, you live near a river or stream. Go find it and get to know it. Join the network or a group that is taking care of it and get involved. Let’s start reconnecting our rivers today.

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