South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston Harbor: Conservation and Research ~ Freshwater Conservation

Whether you live on the coast or in the mountains, freshwater habitats are important to us all. Rivers and lakes play an important role in South Carolina’s ecosystems and the Aquarium takse an active role in a number of projects that help protect wildlife in these Freshwater habitats. Explore the South Carolina Aquarium freshwater habitats and see how we are all connected "from the mountains to the sea".

Celebrate Leap Day all year long to promote amphibian conservation and awareness. Over one third of amphibian species are threatened with extinction, including several varieties of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and the dwindling caecilians. Due to severe habitat loss and disease, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has partnered with amphibian ark to launch a world wide effort to help save the slimiest of creatures.	Freshwater Mussels are one of the most endangered organisms in the world. With the help of South Carolina Fish and Wildlife, the South Carolina Aquarium started a state wide program over four years ago. Annual symposiums are held to discuss research and data discovered as well as solutions to their extinction. Their conservation efforts have provided awareness and information on this rare species.	The robust redhorse is a large freshwater fish that was lost to science for over one hundred years, largely as a result of habitat alteration and perhaps overfishing. The Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee, which the Aquarium is a member of, is responsible for developing a multifaceted conservation effort for the species, involving various state and federal agencies, universities and public and private organizations.

We can all get involved and make a difference. Here are some things you can do to protect Freshwater habitats:

Put mulch around your trees and flowers, not only does it make your lawn look great but it decreases evaporation
Reduce dirty runoff water by washing your car only when its necessary
Bathe your furry best friends outside, not only will they be clean but excess water will give your plants a much needed drink in the hot weather
Plant during the spring or fall when watering requirements are lower
Avoid over-fishing of waterways, so reel them in and toss them back!

For more information on the freshwater habitats of South Carolina and Freshwater conservation, email us at education@scaquarium.org.