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