Every day we impact water, and water impacts us.
The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) furthers the Aquarium’s impact by conducting scientific studies, restoring our region’s natural ecosystems and educating members of the public to take conservation action.
United States fish diversity
Population per square mile where we work
Number of species where we work
66%
of the freshwater fish species found in the U.S. live in the Southeast.
9
states where our conservation efforts improve water quality for humans and animals.
20
aquatic species we work with within the region
Who We Are
Meet our team of scientists!
Conservation Report
The Southeast, our backyard, is home to the highest diversity of freshwater animals in North America. In order to protect them, we must first understand them.
Freshwater Information Network (FIN)
The Freshwater Information Network is a growing online database of freshwater life.
over
75%
of turtle species in the USA occur in the Southeast
there’s been a
+125%
rise in imperiled freshwater fish species in the Southeast over the last 20 years
over
90%
of freshwater mussel species are native to the Southeast
Focus Areas
Tour the Conservation Institute
Riverwatch Updates
Read the most recent stories about our conservation work!
Our Partners
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Conservation Fisheries, Inc.
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Southeastern Fishes Council
- University of Alabama
- University of Tennessee
- U.S. Geological Survey
Join our growing conservation effort
Your gift could help save a native species or inspire the next generation of scientists!