Jefferson City, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to replace the current aeration system at Cherokee Dam with new turbine technology by next year.

In anticipation of that change, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is asking anglers for feedback as they assess how the change to the Cherokee Dam could harm a “critical survival zone” for large Striped Bass.

The upgrades, designed to improve water quality downstream, may have unintended consequences for aquatic wildlife in Cherokee Reservoir, particularly Striped Bass.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is evaluating these potential impacts.

These fish rely on cooler, well-oxygenated water to make it through Tennessee’s hot summers, and Cherokee Reservoir provides limited natural options. According to TWRA, the planned turbine upgrades will cause the refuge area for Striped Bass to disappear, significantly reducing their chances of surviving.

Anglers and stakeholders are invited to share their feedback and questions by contacting the agency at [email protected].