Plight of the endangered Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) in Canada: end of the road?

AUTHOR(S): Donald A. Jackson and Nicholas E. Mandrak

CITATION: Jackson, D.A. and N.E. Mandrak. 2025. Plight of the endangered Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) in Canada: end of the road?. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2024-0391

ABSTRACT:

Conservation of biodiversity is recognized as a priority, with many jurisdictions having legislation protecting species at risk. Such protections are of value only if they are enforced, regardless of the strength of the laws. Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) is a fish listed as endangered by both the Canadian and Ontario governments. We review the biological characteristics and the threats that contribute to its vulnerability and the reductions in its population status during recent decades. Initiatives related to infrastructure developments present risks to core Redside Dace populations, raising questions regarding the future of this species, and other federally listed species, in Canada. Proposed developments and modifications of protection to at-risk species by the Government of Ontario show little regard for the Ontario Endangered Species Act, and it is unclear whether the Government of Canada will enforce protections of its own Species at Risk Act. Redside Dace provides an exemplar of challenges facing conservation-based legislation and the willingness of governments to enforce their own legal frameworks or challenge those of lower levels of government.

FULL TEXT – Jackson and Mandrak