# Blueback Herring Species Facing Critical Threats

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/blueback-herring-species-facing-critical-threats/
- Published: 2015-02-10T18:19:14-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Challenge flawed decision not to list as a “threatened species”

Washington, D.C. – The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and a coalition 
of fishing and watershed protection groups have filed a complaint in federal court.
They are seeking to reverse a decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service (
NMFS) not to list the blueback herring as a threatened species. That’s under the
Endangered Species Act. Blueback herring once spawned in huge numbers in rivers 
along the Atlantic coast. They were a major prey [species for an array of fish](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/oceana-applauds-court-decision-to-prevent-overfishing-of-five-fish-species-in-new-england-and-mid-atlantic/),
mammals, and birds. However, due to habitat destruction, fishing, and [water pollution](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/pollution-prevention-also-means-clean-water/),
the blueback herring species and populations have been reduced. That’s to tiny fragments
of their original sizes.

### ESA, APA : Groups To Court Protecting Blueback Herring Species

The groups are asking that U.S District Court in DC find NMFS in [violation of the Endangered Species Act](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/clean-water-act-violations-epa-settlement-koehler-bright-star/)(
ESA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). They want the [court to order the federal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/federal-court-overturns-epa-decision-on-toxic-pesticide-glyphosate/)
agency to prepare a new listing determination. This should be done within six months.

![Herring species blueback](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2023/04/IMG_1250.jpeg?resize=300%2C177&quality=52&ssl=1 "IMG_1250 - The Green Living
Guy")

Duane Raver US Fish and Wildlife Service Public domain

>  
>  
>  
>  
> 
> The fate of the Mid-Atlantic blueback herring population is part of a bigger 
> picture,” said Earthjustice Attorney Roger Fleming. “River herring and shad – 
> keystone species in the Atlantic [Ocean and coastal rivers food](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/oceana-applauds-fish-and-game-commission-for-protecting-ocean-food-web/)
> chain – are victims of industrial fishing operations, compounding decades of harm
> from habitat destruction and pollution. But the larger problem is the lack of 
> protection from [federal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/west-virginia-scientists-call-on-federal-agencies-to-stop-blocking-information-requests-on-chemical-spill/)
> oversight agencies.”

#### Petititon

In August 2011, NRDC petitioned NMFS to list blueback herring species as threatened
under the ESA. They also wanted to designate critical habitat for the species. Two
years later, the Service published its determination that the blueback herring species
was not likely to become in danger of extinction. They [stated it does not warrant protection](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/05/500-organizations-50-states-urge-congress-defend-bird-protection-law-migratory-bird-treaty-act/)
under the ESA. That’s despite the [government’s acknowledgment that the herring species](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/oceana-sues-to-protect-prey-of-whales-dolphins-and-seals-government-ignores-science-and-illegally-allows-overfishing-of-key-species/)
was likely at or less than two percent of its historical baseline. This is based
on catch levels. Additionally, three out of four regional blueback herring species
and populations in the U.S. were likely still decreasing. NRDC and Earthjustice,
on behalf of several fishing and watershed groups, [filed a 60-day notice](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/douglas-products-and-packaging-of-liberty-mo-to-pay-6237-civil-penalty-for-failure-to-file-notice-of-imported-pesticide/)
of intent to sue for ESA protection. All for the herring species of the imperiled
river.  Let’s help the herring in October 2014.

For the entire release at [NRDC](https://web.archive.org/web/20150906022043/http://www.nrdc.org/media/2015/150210a.asp)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
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