Proposed Alabama shad protections could mean big changes for Southeast rivers

By Bruce Ritchie | 07/24/2024 12:09 PM EDT

The federal government said a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity makes a “substantial” case under the Endangered Species Act.

The Alabama shad

NOAA has agreed to review the Alabama shad for possible listing under the Endangered Species Act. Lance Merry/Center for Biological Diversity

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Federal officials said Tuesday they will consider listing the Alabama shad as an endangered species, a move welcomed by environmentalists who hope it will lead to “profound” changes in river operations across the Southeast.

NOAA issued a notice that it would review the status of the fish based on information in a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity.

“We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted,” the agency said.

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Populations of the fish have fallen as a result of dam construction, river dredging and excessive water use, the center said in its petition.

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