smokymadtom2.jpg

We are
Conservation
Fisheries

Preserving and restoring aquatic biodiversity in our streams and rivers for over 35 years.

Video by Andrew Zimmmerman

Conservation Fisheries, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of aquatic biodiversity in our rivers and streams. In our efforts, we have propagated more than 80 non-game fish species, including some of the most imperiled in the southeastern United States. Whether we’re supporting wild fish populations that are in decline or aiding in cutting-edge research, we are the forerunners of propagating rare and difficult-to-collect species.
Get to know us.

Photo by Joel Sartore.

Preservation, Conservation, Restoration

Species Currently in Our Care

carolina madtom photo by joel sartore photo ark

Carolina Madtom

boulder darter fish by joel sartore

Boulder Darter

tennessee dace by joel sartore

Tennessee Dace

roanoke logperch fish by joel sartore

Roanoke Logperch

barrens topminnow photo by joel sartore photo ark

Barrens Topminnow

spring pygmy sunfish fish photo by joel sartore photo ark

Spring Pygmy Sunfish

Recently at CFI

What do you think Banded Sculpins are always frowning about? 🐟 Banded Sculpin, Cottus carolinae IUCN: LC *Propagated at CFI in 2009 as mussel hosts; 2020-2022 for restoration into formerly dewatered sections of the Cheoah River in North Carolina.
It’s a busy late spring! Our Leopard Darters have officially ended their spawning season since our temperatures hit 70 and now our staff is busy gravel washing, counting eggs, and feeding larvae. Thanks for supporting us this year, we’
celebrate the earth every day. celebrate coexistence. celebrate childlike wonder. we all belong on earth. savor your place among the fish and the plants, with the birds that soar and the soil beneath your feet. embrace the waters that sustain us and
“We are part of nature, a product of a long evolutionary journey. To some degree, we carry the ancient oceans in our blood. … Our brains and nervous systems did not suddenly spring into existence without long antecedents in natural histo
Anyone looking forward to warmer waters so you can snorkel? We’re currently planning a Snorkel 101 panel for early summer if folks seem interested in getting to see some crazy biodiversity this year! Photo by @enchantingectotherms #fish #fi
@beyonce Please don’t “build a dam or two”, our native imperiled species depend on connected waterways free from dams and other barriers! Instead please remove dams and allow the rivers to flow naturally. Thanks Queen Bey! Lyrics
The waters contain more than just fish, the planet contains more than just people. Our mission of preserving aquatic biodiversity is almost impossible to achieve if these imperiled species have no clean water to call home. At times humans cause exc

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