Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) From Endangered to Threatened; Special Rule for Gila Trout in New Mexico and Arizona

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying the federally endangered Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) to threatened status under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are also finalizing a special rule under section 4(d) of the Act that would apply to Gila trout found in New Mexico and Arizona. This special rule will enable the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) to promulgate special regulations in collaboration with the Service, allowing recreational fishing of Gila trout.