Background Information
Rivers and streams of the Southeastern US are home to a globally significant array of fish, mussels, crayfish, and other life. The natural seasonal and inter-annual variations of water levels are critical to maintenance of these rich aquatic ecosystems. As a consequence of the widespread impacts of increased uses of surface water and climate changes in the region, SARP identified implementation of protective instream flow policies as a priority strategy in the Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan. SARP developed the Southern Instream Flow Network (SIFN) to address the impacts of flow alterations in the region’s aquatic ecosystems. SIFN leverages policy, technical experience, and scientific resources among partners based in 15 states (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV).
The SIFN goal is to facilitate development of protective instream flow policies by providing science-based resources and opening lines of communication.
The key objectives are to:
- Provide scientific resources by accessing and sharing regional, national and global expertise through multiple venues.
- Implement the Southern Instream Flow Research Agenda to advance instream flow science in the southern US..
- Facilitate regional and local communication among water management professionals to build support and expand awareness of the value of protective instream flow policy.
- Enable effective communication with stakeholders, policy makers, and the general public on the role and value of instream flows to maintain the aquatic wealth of southern rivers.
Our work has been guided by the Southern Instream Flow Research Agenda informs regional institutions and funding sources about priority instream flow research needs. By clarifying how the flow ecology of southern rivers responds to flow alterations, the outcomes of the Research Agenda are providing a scientific basis for protective instream flow strategies in water policy and management.
To learn about SIFN's accomplishments and instream flow science and policy in the southern US click on the links below or contact SIFN coordinator, Mary Davis ([email protected]) or SARP Coordinator, Dr. Jessica Graham [email protected]).
