Tennessee Aquarium hosts Laurel Dace Day
SPRING CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) – They’re small, bright, and fighting to survive.
The Laurel Dace, a striking freshwater fish found only in a few streams atop the Cumberland Plateau, is one of the most endangered fish species in the United States.
Pollution, habitat loss, and other environmental pressures have pushed their population to the brink.
In an effort to raise awareness and support for their recovery, the Tennessee Aquarium hosted “Laurel Dace Day” in Spring City.
The event brought together conservationists, families, and fish enthusiasts for a day focused on education and environmental impact.
Helaina Gomez, Watershed Conservation Coordinator with the Tennessee Aquarium, emphasized the role individuals can play in conservation efforts.
“Every single individual has an impact on our environment,” she said. “There are so many little things — just being conscious of their waste, making smart decisions day in and day out, or even just learning more about the environment — that significantly help us continue this conservation work.”
Organizers say every dollar raised and every person educated moves the Laurel Dace one step closer to recovery.
With only a few known habitats remaining, advocates hope that awareness campaigns like this one will ensure the Laurel Dace has a future — no matter how small the fish, or how big the fight.
