Aquatic plants are disappearing in the Tennessee Valley. But why? [photos]

Chris Sumrell poses for a portrait on his fishing boat on Chickamauga Lake on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Sumrell, a lifetime fisherman, is worried about the excessive use of herbicides by waterfront properties, which he says reduces shoreline aquatic plants used by fish as habitats and hatcheries.

By Mark Pace September 4, 2017 9 min read

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Aquatic plants are disappearing in the Tennessee Valley. But why?

Aquatic plants are seen growing in Possum Creek on Aug. 11. While they grow in abundance at Possum Creek, they are disappearing in other areas throughout the Tennessee Valley.

A sign warns of herbicide use at a dock in Soddy Creek. Aquatic plants are disappearing throughout the Tennessee Valley.

Chris Sumrell, left, and his son James pose for a portrait on his fishing boat on Chickamauga Lake on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Sumrell, a lifetime fisherman, is worried about the excessive use of herbicides by waterfront properties, which he says reduces shoreline aquatic plants used by fish as habitats and hatcheries.

Through a small tunnel, tucked in an area with no homes and no docks, a tributary off Soddy Creek slowly flows with clear water. It’s filled with aquatic plant life. Plants measure more than 10 feet tall and nothing but a thriving ecosystem lines the shore.

At nearby Possum Creek in Soddy- Daisy, it’s the same story.

The view from the side of a boat is nothing but fresh water full of fish and weeds – a fisherman’s paradise.

“This is what it’s supposed to look like,” local fisherman and clean water advocate Chris Sumrell said.

A short boat trip to Soddy Creek paints a different picture.