A Silver Lining: Interpreting the Endangered Species Act to envision management of the Rio Grande silvery minnow in a broader cultural, ecological, and political context

Abstract

The Rio Grande silvery minnow, listed as an endangered species in 1994, is the subject of significant debate, litigation, and water management decisions. This article documents the history of the minnow as it relates to the Endangered Species Act. Even as outcomes for the species fail to improve, the minnow plays an important role in Middle Rio Grande water management. The water supplied for the minnow also provides benefits to the human community and larger ecological community. This article posits that the next era of minnow management, beginning with the upcoming 2028 Biological Opinion, should consider a wider set of values, to provide benefits for both the Rio Grande silvery minnow and the larger Middle Rio Grande community.

Keywords: Endangered Species Act, Rio Grande silvery minnow, Middle Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Law Review, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law