Conservation Status of Imperiled North American Freshwater and Diadromous Fishes

Abstract

Abstract This is the third compilation of imperiled (i.e., endangered, threatened, vulnerable) plus extinct freshwater and diadromous fishes of North America prepared by the American Fisheries Society'S Endangered Species Committee. Since the last revision in 1989, imperilment of inland fishes has increased substantially. This list includes 700 extant taxa representing 133 genera and 36 families, a 92% increase over the 364 listed in 1989. The increase reflects the addition of distinct populations, previously non-imperiled fishes, and recently described or discovered taxa. Approximately 39% of described fish species of the continent are imperiled. There are 230 vulnerable, 190 thretened, and 280 endangered extant taxa, and 61 taxa presumed extinct or extirpated from nature. Of those that were imperiled in 1989, most (89%) are the same or worse in conservation status; only 6% have improved in status, and 5% were delisted for various reasons. Habitat degradation and nonindigenous species are the main threats to at-risk fishes, many of which are restricted to small ranges. Documenting the diversity and status of rare fishes is a critical step in identifying and implementing appropriate actions necessary for their protection and management.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Southern Research Station US
• University of New Mexico US
• McCormick (United States) US
• United States Geological Survey US
• Autonomous University of Queretaro MX
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada CA
• University of British Columbia CA
• US Forest Service US
• Duquesne University US
• American Fisheries Society US
• Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León MX
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources US
• Bayer (United States) US
• Great Lakes Institute of Management IN
• Canadian Museum of Nature CA
• University of Alberta CA
• El Colegio de la Frontera Sur MX

Related Publications