U.S. Southeast Rivers and Streams

Madtom
© JR Shute, Conservation Fisheries

Coosa River factsheet (PDF, 4MB)
The Coosa River is a cultural icon of the south and home to an astounding variety of rare and unique fish and wildlife. The construction of seven large hydropower dams in the mid 1900’s turned the river into a series of reservoirs and caused the largest mass extinction in U.S. history. Once recognized as one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the world, the Coosa River is now fragmented by seven hydroelectric dams. Learn what you can do to protect this American treasure

• America’s Most Endangered Rivers: 2010 edition, produced by American Rivers (PDF, 5.44MB)

The Desperate Dozen: Fishes on the Brink (PDF, 665KB)

This report highlights the "Desperate Dozen" - the 12 fish species most likely to become extinct in the Southeast. By highlighting these twelve species, ranging from the spring pygmy sunfish to the Alabama sturgeon, we hope to encourage action to address the needs of our freshwater animals and hopefully prevent them from slipping quietly into extinction. 

Anti-mining petition

WWF and a coalition of regional and national conservation groups is protecting the U.S. Southeast Rivers and Streams - home to the highest number of endemic freshwater fauna in North America. Along with our partners, we are urging federal agencies to fully and carefully assess the impacts of coal mining on the region's most vulnerable wildlife - as required by law. Read the joint press release and factsheet. 

Conservation assesment

To help protect the rich biodiversity in the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile River Basins, WWF analyzed aquatic species and habitat information and identified 29 watersheds that are the highest priorities for protection. Read our report: A Vision for the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins. 

U.S. Southeast Rivers and Streams snapshot brochure