In April 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to include the Fish Lake Valley tui chub in the endangered species list. This distinctive fish is small and olive-colored. It lives only in one pond in Nevada, close to the California border. In the past, it lived in six different springs. Experts said the main reason for the fish’s danger is too much groundwater pumping. Water is used for agricultural activities like growing alfalfa. In 2023, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit. After the settlement, the government agreed to study the fish’s condition. The agency later explained that climate change, land use, invasive species, and loss of habitat have also hurt the fish’s environment.

If added to the endangered species list, the tui chub will receive full protection. It will be illegal to kill, move, or sell this fish. Environmental groups said the fish is important to the desert ecosystem. A group leader warned that losing the fish may affect the area’s wetlands and other animals, such as antelope and bighorn sheep. The Trump administration also gave a new idea. It may change the meaning of the word “harm” under the law. Critics believe this change may undermine protection and cause irreversible harm. The proposal is open for public comments for 60 days.