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Along with multiple partners, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery has been involved with the recovery of the endangered Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) for over 20 years. This species historically populated the Upper Caney Fork (Cumberland River Drainage), Upper Duck River, and the Elk River (Tennessee River Drainage) before the introduction of the invasive Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). This invasive threat, along with agricultural practices and habitat destruction, require biologists to monitor and augment these populations.
Before being federally listed in 2019, the fish were collected, transferred, grown out in certain facilities, and then placed back into their waters of origin. Since 2019, biologists and topminnows alike were eagerly awaiting the completion of the Barrens Topminnow Recovery Plan drafted by the Cookeville ES Office, to begin releasing these fish back into their native habitat once again. In July 2024, the Recovery Plan was implemented, allowing for the first Barrens topminnow release in over 4 years. Separate populations from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, and Conservation Fisheries, Inc., were stocked in 3 different locations of their native range. Over 200 individuals were released among the 3 designated sites.
These fish will be closely monitored with snorkel surveys and seining counts to ensure proper growth and survival of the individual populations. In the meantime, the next year class produced by CFI will be transferred to Wolf Creek NFH and Dale Hollow NFH to continue the propagation and recovery of this species.
