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Current Status:

The smoky madtom is currently known from about 6 miles of one stream in eastern Tennessee. Because of its limited distribution, the madtom is threatened by the possibility of a toxic chemical spill or anything else that would degrade the stream reach it inhabits.

Achievements:

Smoky madtom eggs and larvae have been collected from the wild, reared to the juvenile stage in captivity, and reintroduced into unoccupied historic habitat. As yet, there is no indication that the introduced population has reproduced, but some of the juveniles have reached adulthood. A captive population is being maintained, and research on artificial propagation is under way. An informal section 7 consultation with the Forest Service on a proposed campground adjacent to smoky madtom habitat reached a satisfactory conclusion when an alternate location for the facility was chosen.

Current Recovery Needs:

Artificial propagation and reintroduction techniques need refinement. The species should continue to be reintroduced into unoccupied historic habitat.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1991, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was provided $7,600 to collect smoky madtom eggs and larvae, rear them to juveniles, reintroduce the juveniles into unoccupied historic habitat, maintain a captive smoky madtom population, attempt to artificially propagate the species, and search for potential reintroduction sites. In FY 1992, the agency was provided $18,861 to continue these activities.

Partnerships

Forest Service: This Federal agency has assisted in conserving the smoky madtom. It provided technical assistance on the propagation and reintroduction project, and contributed funds to monitor the population.

National Park Service: This Federal agency has also provided technical assistance on the smoky madtom propagation and reintroduction project.

Tennessee Valley Authority: This agency has been an advocate for fish recovery and has provided technical assistance on the smoky madtom propagation and reintroduction project.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: In addition to its section 6 activities, this State agency is responsible for managing the State's fish populations. The agency provided technical assistance on the propagation and reintroduction project.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation: This State agency maintains a geographic data base on the distribution of fish. Through its environmental review process, the agency helps protect this species.

Lifespace Technologies: This private organization is conducting propagation and reintroduction research on the madtom for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is also conducting monitoring research for the Forest Service.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 8/9/85.