Relative Abundance of Fish in 2 South Carolina Reservoirs During the First 9 Years of Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Operations

Relative abundance of several species of fish in the headwaters of Keowee Reservoir and in Jocassee Reservoir were estimated during the initial 9 years of operation by the Jocassee Pumped Storage Station. Several species of fish in each reservoir declined in abundance during this period, while others increased. We think the declines were related more to the chemical stabilization of these reservoirs than to pumped storage operations. The increases were related to stocking programs and natural population expansions.