PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona’s state fish is finally off the hook.
Governor Katie Hobbs & state leaders announced that the Apache trout has been delisted from the endangered species list.
“This is a historic day. It’s historic and was built on the dedication, commitment, and hope of many many people,” said Amy Lueders, Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director.
The Apache Trout is the first ever trout and sports fish to be removed from the endangered species list.
Since being first listed as endangered in 1967, federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit organizations have worked to protect and restore these fish.
“When Apache trout were first listed, the range decreased to 14 known populations in about 30 miles of stream. Today, there are 30 genetically pure populations in about 175 miles of habitat. That is an amazing accomplishment,” said Gov. Hobbs.
The White Mountains in eastern Arizona are the only place in the world where these fish can be found in their natural habitat.
Jess Newton, a conservation expert for U.S. Fish and Wildlife said this species has been considered threatened for almost as long as they’ve been recognized.
“The initial reason why the Apache trout became endangered was overfishing, overharvest, and also the introduction of non-native trout such as the brown trout or rainbow trout,” Newton said.
Now, with this huge milestone, leaders hope this is just the beginning of protecting Arizona’s wildlife.
”We’re taking it off the list, but that doesn’t mean the work will stop. We have multiple projects set up with the White Mountain Apache tribe and multiple projects set up with the forest service in the coming years that will reconnect and restore dozens and miles more of habitat for Apache trout,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited.
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Publish date : 2024-09-04 21:45:00
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