A federal district court has set a September 2026 deadline for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if the Rio Grande shiner fish warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act. The tiny palm-sized fish has suffered due to river damming and channelization over the last century. Environmental groups have been advocating for its protection, citing the impact on the ecosystem and the need for additional protections. The Trump administration’s weakening of the Act in 2019 has added to the challenges faced by endangered species like the Rio Grande shiner. Listing the fish as endangered would not impact water allotments to Texas and Mexico but could lead to habitat changes to help the fish survive. While there are no current fish counts, scientific studies would be triggered if the fish is listed, to better understand its needs for recovery. The case highlights the ongoing battle to protect endangered species and their habitats from human interference.
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Photo credit nmpoliticalreport.com
Rio Grande fish prevails in court
