The Corbin High School Environmental Science Class placed nearly 8,000 Lake Sturgeon fish into Laurel Lake last week. The students worked with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to release the fish. The students placed the 6 month old Sturgeon fish into pans and acclimated them to the lake water before releasing them at the Mouth of the Laurel Boat Ramp.
“The department invites our science classes to participate in the project because they know getting more people involved in their efforts increases public understanding and awareness as well as increases the likelihood for success,” Corbin High School Environmental Science Teacher Ann Hail said. “As for our class reading the material may make some impact but actually being able to participate in a restoration project with the Department of Fish and Wildlife helps students to relate the material to real life and will leave a lifelong memory.”
The Corbin High School science students have had the opportunity to assist the Department of Fish and Wildlife in placing Sturgeon fish into the lake since 2008. The department is working to reintroduce Sturgeon fish to the area. These fish were once native to Kentucky and the surrounding lakes until over fishing and pollution eliminated them.
The project goes along with the Environmental Science unit regarding pollution, ecology, extinction, and restoration. Following the release of the fish, the science students picked up trash around the boat ramp and hiked some nearby trails.