Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Determination of Threatened Status for the Sacramento Splittail

摘要

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes threatened status for the Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Sacramento splittail occur in Suisun Bay and the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento-San Joaquin River Estuary in California. The Sacramento splittail has declined by 62 percent over the last 15 years. This species is primarily threatened by large freshwater exports from Sacramento and San Joaquin River diversions, prolonged drought, loss of shallow-water habitat, introduced aquatic species, and agricultural and industrial chemicals. This proposal, if made final, would implement the protection and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for Sacramento splittail. The Service seeks all available data and comments from the public regarding this proposal.