Case Study: Protecting Two Rare Fish
Economics vs. Ecology

Which is more important, to encourage the development of one of the only two major urban areas in a state or to protect the extinction of two species of rare fish? That's an issue about which the citizens of Nevada have been arguing for some time.

The unusual geological history of Nevada is responsible for this strange and difficult confrontation between the demands of a modern society and the desire to protect some very ancient animals. Reno and Sparks, two of the few large cities (populations: 115,000 and 50,000 respectively) in Nevada draw their water from the Truckee River. The amount of water that can be taken from the Truckee is relatively modest by most standards. The limitations of this water source, as much as any other factor, place a limit on the growth of Reno and Sparks. City officials in both localities have, in fact, decided to issue no new permits for housing developments until a more reliable water source can be found.

One solution, developers suggest, would be for the federal government to permit the cities to draw water from the Wildhorse Reservoir. Thus far, the government has refused to do that because it uses water from the reservoir to maintain water levels in the Truckee during periods of drought. This allows two rare fish--the cui-ui sucker and the Lahontan cutthroat trout--to survive and breed in the river. If water were diverted from the reservoir, federal officials have pointed out, the survival of these two species would be seriously threatened.

The government's action thus far has been based on the fact that both the cui-ui and the Lahontan trout are relics from the very ancient past. Nevada was once covered by a great ocean that extended over much of the present United States. As the climate changed over millions of years, fish like the cul-ui and Lahontan trout were trapped in a few tiny pockets of water that remained. They evolved along very specialized lines and the communities that survive today are the only ones found anywhere in the world. If they were to be wiped out, the species would be gone forever.

While recognizing the difficult nature of this problem, the city governments in Reno and Sparks see another side to the issue. The economic development of two important urban areas should not be limited, they say, because of two species of fish. The elimination of these species is a small, if unfortunate, price to pay for further urban growth.

As an unbiased layperson from an adjoining state, you have been asked to help mediate this controversy. Both the federal government and the cities involved have agreed to abide by the decision that you and other members of your committee make. Discuss the issue with other class members who will play roles as you do, and then decide what recommendation you will make to the government and the cities.

Additional Questions

1. The Lahontan cutthroat trout has traditionally been an important food fish for the Pyramid Lake Indians who live in the area. The Indian tribe strongly supports the government's current policy on water use, How, if at all, does this additional piece of information influence the decision you made in The Buck Stops Here?

 

2. The introduction to this case argues that the world might be no worse off without the presence of certain species. Think of the most offensive, disagreeable kind of animal you can. Would that argument be true for that animal? Explain your answer.

 

3. Throughout the history of the earth, species have come and gone. The whole race of dinosaurs, as an example, came and went without being harassed by humans at all! Why should we be so concerned, then, that the normal process of species extinction is continuing in our own day?

 

4. To what extent is the problem of endangered species in the United States the same as it is in, say, an African country? To what extent, and in what ways, is the problem different?

 

5. Another form of danger to wildlife not mentioned in the introduction to this problem comes from modem agricultural methods. In what ways would these techniques represent a threat to the survival of wildlife? Consider, especially, the role of pesticides and fertilizers.

 

6. Some of the most difficult cases of endangered species are found in less industrialized countries. Pandas, African elephants, and orangutans are examples. Humans competing with them are trying to improve their standard of living by extending the land used for agriculture and grazing, This seems like a natural ambition for people in non-industrialized countries. The questions are, then, how would you feel about this as a native of China, Indonesia, or Tanzania? In addition, what do you think the role of the United States, if any, ought to be in protecting endangered species like these.

 

7. Most of this discussion deals with endangered animals. In what way would a discussion of endangered plants be different? Is this problem as serious as it is with animals? Why or why not?

 

8. Some zoos have become more than showplaces for animals. They have assumed a major role in protecting endangered species from total extinction. Find out what some of these new functions of zoos are.

 

9. Assume that some species are worth saving from extinction and others are not. How do you decide which species belong in each of these two categories?

 

10. From a technical and/or legal standpoint, what do the terms "endangered" and "threatened" mean? Who decides which species are to be placed into one or the other of these categories?

created by: Debbie Anholt
updated: 5-5-2000
contact me: anholt@lclark.edu