Cutthroats Do Not Need Listing

Westslope cutthroat trout do not need to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, according to Northwest states' fish and wildlife agencies. In a recent letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife resident fisheries official Lynn R. Kaeding, the directors of wildlife agencies in Idaho, Oregon and Montana said the states have made "a compelling case for finding that listing of westslope cutthroat trout under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted." Washington's department also worked on the assessment of the trout's status, but the director there did not sign the letter to the federal agency. Several private conservation groups have petitioned to have the westslope cutthroat listed under the Endangered Species Act. Those groups have cited dangers to the native strain of cutthroats including environmental threats and-a particular jab at the operations of state fish and wildlife agencies-the potential for crossbreeding the fish into extinction by introducing non-native species into cutthroat waters. The letter said the status of westslope cutthroat has been assessed in the "most comprehensive, up to date review&ever assembled." More than 100 fisheries professionals representing 12 state, tribal, and federal agencies, and private firms with a combination of more than 1,800 years of fisheries management experience participated in workshops to provide information for the assessment. Among issues considered were genetic status, population condition relative to habitat potential, disease risk, obstacles to conservation and conservation measures already in place. "In short, this document represents the best available science regarding the current status of westslope cutthroat trout across their range in the United States." Strong, genetically pure populations of westslope cutthroat "are abundant across the landscape" of the four states where they are found and are being managed to ensure long-term survival "not only for conservation purposes but to provide high quality recreational fishing experiences as well." Westslope cutthroat trout are also found in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. More genetic testing is warranted, the letter said, but testing so far suggests that many populations remain pure even though past fish stocking has increased the risk of genetic blending. More than 3,400 miles of streams support populations that testing has shown to be genetically pure. Almost 9,200 additional miles of streams are believed to support pure westslope cutthroat trout at little or no genetic risk. "Genetic analysis further suggests that a large percentage of the 17,300 miles of streams identified as potentially genetically altered maintain pure populations." The states note "a large contingent of management tools are in place to reduce risks and eliminate threats to westslope cutthroat trout." For example, in recent years, only sterile rainbow trout are stocked in Idaho waters where westslope cutthroat trout could be affected. The four states are currently working together toward a range-wide conservation agreement for the preservation and management of westslope cutthroat trout. A draft was developed in 2002 and is expected to be finished in 2003.