Interior Secretary Deb Haaland came to Bass Pro Shops in Mesa to delist the Apache trout as a federally protected species on Wednesday. This announcement marks the culmination of a five-decade struggle for the White Mountain Apache Tribe that treasures the Southwest fish.
“I am thrilled to announce that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the Apache trout from the list of the threatened and endangered species,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa on Wednesday. “It’s also a shining example of what happens when we are led by science and the communities who know these species and their habitats best.”
Haaland shared this is the first sportsfish and trout to be declassified from the list.
This trout is solely found in the streams of the White Mountains in eastern Arizona, and is considered sacred by White Mountain Apache Tribe Chairman Kasey Velasquez and his community.
“Seven decades ago, with great foresight, the White Mountain Apache people set forth protection for the last remaining streams,” Velasquez said. “In doing so, the Apache people ensured the Apache trout would persist in the future.”
His tribe has led efforts to save their namesake trout, which is also the official state fish, long before the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
The chairman celebrated with Gov. Katie Hobbs and Haaland, along with anglers and fellow co-management partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trout Unlimited, U.S. Forest Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department.
“However, we cannot take our success for granted,” added Velasquez. “The Apache trout will continue to rely on our vigilance, and our earnest commitment to ensure this magnificent jewel continues to enhance not only our lives, but the lives of generations yet to be born.”
Known populations of the Apache trout have more than doubled since 1979.
But the U.S. government’s decision to delist this trout species from federal protections has come under stark scrutiny by Robin Silver, co-founder of the Center for Biological Diversity. He opposes the use of facilities, like Arizona Game and Fish’s Silver Creek Fish Hatchery in Show Low, which has helped raise Apache trout in the name of conservation.
“We feel horrible. This is just a public relations stunt. It’s premature. The Apache trout has not recovered anymore than the fish in your fish tank at home,” Silver told KJZZ News. “When they die, you go to the fish store and buy another one. That’s no different than what’s happening now.”
