Shortnose Sturgeon
Scientists say for the first time in U.S. history a fish identified as endangered has been shown to have recovered. The population of shortnose sturgeon has increased by more than 400 percent in the Hudson River since the 1970s.
Researchers note shortnose sturgeon is still endangered in other rivers and will not necessarily be removed from the U.S. endangered species list.
During the past 100 years, 27 species of fish have died off in North America and four have become extinct. The U.S. government currently protects 149 fish species and subspecies and a total of 1,311 species.
Endangered and threatened U.S. fish outnumber mammals, reptiles, and birds. Since 1966, when the federal government started identifying threatened species, only 16, including the American alligator, American peregrine falcon and brown pelican, have recovered.
February 7, 2007 6:37 AM | Category: Fish