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Childhoods spent exploring creeks, streams, and ponds inspired a lifelong dedication to protect aquatic biodiversity for JR Shute and Pat Rakes. Together they founded Conservation Fisheries a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of aquatic biodiversity in streams and rivers, particularly in the Southeast. In today's episode of River Talks, JR and Pat join Cumberland River Compact Program Manager Jed Grubbs to share their wealth of natural history knowledge about the rare and imperiled species that call our waters home. Together they share why our region is so biodiverse, the unique life history of freshwater mussels, and the delicate dance between the endangered Barren's Topminnows and the pervasive mosquito fish. Plus, you will hear about how an upcoming stream restoration project with the Cumberland River Compact is protecting crucial habitat for the Barren's Topminnow in Coffee County.

Full episode details available on our blog: https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/2021/09/28/discovering-and-preserving-our-most-imperiled-aquatic-biodiversity-with-conservations-fisheries/