Back the Natives River Basin is one of the most diverse aquatic
places in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The
Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute (TNARI) conserves and
restores species with primary focus on native aquatic organisms.
Through research, partnerships and conservation programs, TNARI
hopes to promote the future well being of these and other
animals. Lake sturgeon can reach weights of more than 300
pounds. That's eight feet of “prehistoric” fish patrolling the
depths of the Tennessee River. But just because sturgeon have
been around for millions of years doesn’t mean they’re
plentiful. In fact, due to habitat destruction, over-fishing and
water pollution these shark-like fish virtually disappeared from
Tennessee’s rivers during the past century. When the Tennessee
Aquarium and its partners agreed to save the sturgeon, it became
a long-term commitment, and currently the Tennessee Aquarium
Research Institute (TNARI) has completed three successful years
of the 25-year reintroduction