The Fish and Wildlife Service released the draft revised Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Recovery Plan on January 18, 2007.  Once widespread throughout the Rio Grande and Pecos River, the silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) is only found in New Mexico in a reach of river between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir, a distance of 174 miles.  This represents approximately seven percent of it's former range.

The plan outlines suggested conservation measures for improving and increasing the fish's population and habitat.  The Plan's goal is to recover the silvery minnow so that it no longer needs Endangered Species Act protection.  The Recovery Plan discusses the establishment of three populations (including at least two that are self-sustaining) within the historical range of the species.  The recovery team mirrors the collaborative approach embaced by the agencies, Tribes and organizations who work together to mange the river.

This species was federally listed as endangered in 1994 and the previous recovery plan was completed in 1999.  Critical habitat for this species was completed in 2003.  The decline of the silvery minnow may be attributed in part to destruction and modification of its habitat due to dewatering and diversion of water, water impoundment, and modification of the river (channelization), competition and predation by introduced non-native species, and water quality degradation.