Razorback Sucker Gets Demoted From Endangered Status
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Rule
Summary
Good news! The razorback sucker fish is doing better and is now officially 'threatened' instead of 'endangered.' This means it’s not in immediate danger of disappearing but still needs protection to keep it safe. The new rules start on August 17, 2026, helping people and agencies work together to protect this unique fish without causing big money headaches.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
4(d) Rule Allows Specific Conservation Activities
A section 4(d) rule was issued that expressly allows certain activities that support recovery, including propagation and stocking, educational display, habitat restoration, catch-and-release angling, and nonnative fish control efforts. Those specified activities are excepted from the usual prohibitions to provide protective mechanisms for State and Federal partners.
Razorback Sucker Downlisted to Threatened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reclassifying the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened, effective August 17, 2026. The species remains on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife but is now formally considered likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
Agencies Must Use "Reasonable Care" for Angling
The final rule clarifies that Federal, State, and Tribal agencies are required to exercise "reasonable care" when allowing incidental catch-and-release and when establishing new recreational angling opportunities for razorback sucker. That requirement is mandatory under the 4(d) rule rather than merely advisory.
Protections Stay in Place Except Listed Exceptions
Reclassifying the species to threatened does not remove it from the Federal List; prohibitions on take under section 9 of the Endangered Species Act remain in place except for the specific conservation and other activities identified in the 4(d) rule. The rule affirms that recovery planning (section 4(f)) and section 7 consultation requirements continue to apply.
Recovery Programs Funded Through 2031
The rule and supporting documents note that cooperative agreements for the Upper Colorado and San Juan recovery programs have been extended and that those programs are funded through 2031. The Service states partners remain engaged and that program funding continuity supports ongoing conservation actions.
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