Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
Aquatic habitats and river basin descriptions with associated conservation priorities are in Chapter 4 Habitats.
Of the SCGN fish species, 40% are suckers and minnows (order Cypriniformes) and 38% are darters (order Perciformes). According to Jelks (et al. 2008) , the Cyprinidae family is the most species-rich of freshwater fishes in North America. Within this family, Ironcolor Shiner is noted to be one of the most widespread because it occurs in multiple ecoregions (Jelks et al . 2008) . However, statewide surveys conducted by NCWRC biologists since the 1960s found this fish in small numbers and noted it to be a vulnerable species. Recent surveys conducted in locations where it was previously found detected only a small number of fish in 2010 (three sites in two river basins). Surveys conducted in 2012 across the Southeastern Coastal Plain at 35 sites where Ironcolor Shiners were found in previous surveys detected none of these fish. Anadromous and catadromous fish species migrate between inland freshwaters and coastal brackish and saltwaters during their life cycles. Many native migratory fish populations have sharply declined over the last several decades. • A recent assessment of southeastern Atlantic coast diadromous fish stocks (Burke and Rohde 2015) provides information about numerous species for which there are population concerns, including the federally listed Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon. • As noted in the report, American Eel and two river herring species that are found in North Carolina rivers and coastal waters have been petitioned for listing as endangered species (USFWS 2011; NMFS 2011; Burke and Rohde 2015) . Degraded freshwater and estuarine habitats that serve as nursery and spawning grounds and the vulnerability of anadromous fishes to exploitation during migration into coastal rivers contribute to many species being included on lists of marine endangered and threatened fishes (Burke and Rohde 2015) . Principal causes of population declines have traditionally been attributed to dammed rivers, habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution but other contributing factors include climate change, nonnative species, and aquaculture (NMFS 2012; Burke and Rohde 2015) . In 2015, the EBCI received federal authority to administer its own Water Quality Standards Program under the Clean Water Act. This designation supports fisheries work by aligning water quality goals with aquatic conservation priorities. Future habitat connectivity projects will further enhance restoration capacity. The planned removal of Ela Dam on the lower Oconaluftee River, a partnership that includes the EBCI and NCWRC, is expected to benefit multiple species. These include redhorse species, Walleye, and other taxa targeted for reintroduction, such as Spotfin Chub, Stonecat Madtom, and Blotchside Logperch. Continued collaboration among the EBCI and NCWRC, and other regional partners is essential to long-term conservation success across shared watersheds.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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