Serving as a freshwater field station for scientists and students alike, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute’s 14,000 square foot facility offers fully-equipped lab space in which researchers can physically work in proximity to each other to advance conservation science.
TNACI’s work in the captive propagation of sensitive species, including Lake Sturgeon and Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, are housed in the facility. Artificial streams, where researchers can study the influence of human effects on the environment, like changing temperatures in streams, are also located in the propagation space which includes space to accommodate expanding efforts.
A large teaching lab on the first floor is used for educational programs designed for high school students, teachers, conservation professionals, ecotourism guides, and Aquarium members. This space features technology to conduct scientific research on advanced topics like analyzing environmental DNA from the Tennessee River to investigate which fish species have been swimming nearby.