Apache Trout Triumphs: Removed from Endangered Species List After Years of Conservation Success

MESA — The U.S. Department of Interior has announced the removal of the Apache trout from the list of endangered and threatened species. This decision, made public on Wednesday, reflects long-standing efforts to restore the trout’s populations across Arizona.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the effectiveness of the federal Endangered Species Act. She noted that decades of conservation work have allowed the Apache trout, the state fish of Arizona, to flourish from just 30 miles of streams in the White Mountains to a thriving presence in 175 miles of habitat.

Governor Katie Hobbs celebrated the delisting as a significant achievement beyond the substantial federal investment of $5.1 million. “It’s a success that we have gotten it off the endangered species list,” she stated, highlighting the positive impact on fishing opportunities in the White Mountain Apache area.

According to Alex Loubere, native trout and chub coordinator at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, fishing for Apache trout has been permitted for some time. He explained that fishing regulations vary based on local population densities, with some areas allowing anglers to keep fish while others restrict activity to catch-and-release only.

Regardless of the delisting, Loubere affirmed that monitoring efforts will continue. Adjustments to fishing regulations will be based on ongoing assessments of trout populations.

Hobbs, while supportive of the trout recovery, admitted to lacking fishing skills herself. “I’m not good at fishing,” she remarked, indicating a desire to improve once her term as governor concludes.

Haaland attributed the success of the Apache trout’s recovery to extensive collaborative efforts dating back before the Endangered Species Act. The White Mountain Apache Tribe played a critical role by enacting ordinances in the 1950s and 1960s to protect the species from extinction.

She noted that tribal leaders have been integral to ongoing conservation initiatives, including maintaining captive breeding stocks and creating sport fishing opportunities for this rare native fish. Conservation barriers were also implemented to separate the Apache trout from non-native species and prevent hybridization.

According to Hobbs, the Apache trout is the first fish species in Arizona to be delisted, marking a major milestone in conservation efforts for sport fish in the state. She expressed enthusiasm for further outdoor activities, mentioning plans to go camping and a budding interest in hunting in the future.

However, she acknowledged her inexperience. When asked about hunting, she responded, “I’ve never done this,” conveying her eagerness to learn but also her current lack of expertise in the field.