Desert Fishes Engagement: The Race Against Time.

Authors: Kayla Kelley, Lindsey Roberts, Seth White

Year: 2025

Abstract

Desert fish populations are declining and disappearing throughout the Southwest United States and Mexico. Over millennia, desert fishes have adapted to extreme and highly variable climate, ecological, and geomorphologic conditions. However, in recent decades native desert fish populations have significantly declined due to increased anthropogenic impacts, including water consumption, fragmentation, non-native species interactions, and habitat degradation. As the climate crisis accelerates, it is no surprise that we are witnessing severe declines of our water dependent desert ecosystems. Without directed and sustained species conservation efforts there will be a continued decline in these unique and ecologically valuable fish species. Some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species in the current catastrophe continue to decline and their long-term survival will rely heavily on consistent dedication of technical, social, and political resources on local and national scales. However, we rarely see consistent attention or public support (e.g., from local communities, policymakers, environmental organizations) in terms of desert fish conservation. Too frequently have desert fish biologists heard the question, “There are fish in the desert?”. Previous pursuits of recognition for desert fishes, such as the Devil’s Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) or the Owens Pupfish (Cyprinodon radiosus), have been successful, but many others have fallen short of securing this crucial support. Here, we aim to investigate outreach, opinions, and the theoretical foundation for greater desert fish engagement while identifying methods for lasting support. We distributed a survey through several professional fisheries organizations asking for thoughts on fisheries outreach and potential methods of success. With 307 responses, we gained insight from scientists from regions across the United States on public outreach importance, successes, and barriers. We compared responses among regions and species to investigate the role of geographic influence on public recognition. Responses have indicated individuals highly value outreach, but many would like to have the same level of involvement as they currently do. With these results taken directly from scientists and researchers, we hope to begin a deeper investigation into successful outreach and support with an in-depth literature review and continued conversation. As a nation and society, we must provide increased recognition for these species, as they continue the battle against extinction.