Steve at WhitesCreek Journal has a profile of Conservation Fisheries, a local non-profit "dedicated to the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and habitats in the southeastern United States."

Photos of endangered fish species at their Knoxville facility are featured in the latest National Geographic. Steve has a link to the article, which is an alarming look at endangered species around the U.S. (For example, the Whooping Crane we saw at the Hiwassee Refuge on Sunday is one of only 387 known to exist in the wild.)

The article has a photo of a Boulder Darter at Conservation Fisheries. It is estimated that only about 3500 survive in the Elk River, their only known natural habitat. There's also a photo of some very cool Yellowfin Madtoms, which are being reintroduced into Abrams Creek by Conservation Fisheries.

We met some folks from Conservation Fisheries up at Steve's place this summer. They were out snorkeling in Whites Creek during a thunderstorm, surveying the fish population and looking for new and different species. They are good folks doing good work. Head over to WhitesCreek Journal and follow the links to learn more about their operation. And be sure to check out their species gallery for more fascinating photos.