Rare Nevada Fish Nears Endangered Classification

Author: Nevada Globe Staff

NEVADA – Another step is being made to save a rare, endangered fish.

Fish Lake Valley tui chub may qualify for Endangered Species Act protection, FWS announced Monday.

F&W will study the fish for a year before deciding whether to protect them.

The rare minnow can only live in one spring on a Nevada ranch.

Too much groundwater has been pumped out, affecting their environment and placing the fish at risk of extinction.

Krista Kemppinen, Ph.D., a CBD senior scientist, remarked, “I’m delighted the Fish Lake Valley tui chub has a chance to get protection.

Overusing groundwater harms these fish and their spring.

Patrick Donnelly, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Great Basin program, said the result showed how poorly Nevada managed groundwater for species like the Fish Lake Valley tui chub. “Water in Fish Lake Valley is decreasing. I hope the Endangered Species Act will lead to better groundwater management and conserve these fish and other creatures that rely on rare desert springs.

Credits: FOX5Vegas