[Federal Register: February 8, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 25)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 5963-5981]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08fe99-12]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC26

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of 
Threatened Status for the Sacramento Splittail

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine 
threatened status for the Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys 
macrolepidotus) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act). Sacramento splittail occur in Suisun Bay and the San 
Francisco Bay-Sacramento-San Joaquin River Estuary (Estuary) in 
California. The Sacramento splittail has declined by 62 percent over 
the last 15 years. This species is primarily threatened by changes in 
water flows and water quality resulting from the export of water from 
the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, periodic prolonged drought, loss 
of shallow-water habitat, introduced aquatic species, and agricultural 
and industrial pollutants. Designation of critical habitat is not 
prudent at this time. This rule implements the protection and recovery 
provisions afforded by the Act for Sacramento splittail.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 10, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the 
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
3310 El Camino Avenue, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95821-6340.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Thabault, Deputy Assistant 
Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see ADDRESSES 
section) (telephone 916-979-2710).