Following a review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Barrens darter as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
The Barrens darter is a small, bottom-dwelling fish endemic to the Collins River watershed on the Barrens Plateau in middle Tennessee. It is found in small, headwater streams and generally does not occur in larger streams. The approximate lifespan is three years.
The biggest threat to the Barrens darter is competition and hybridization with the invasive fringed darter, which has expanded its range in the Collins River system. Additional threats impacting the Barrens darter's viability include habitat loss, streambank degradation, reduced instream cover for nesting and feeding, and declining water quality.
The proposed rule will publish in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/ on July 1, opening a 60-day public comment period. The Service will accept comments received or postmarked before September 2. The proposal, supporting materials and information on how to submit comments can be found at https://www.regulations.gov by searching the docket number FWS-R4-ES-2025-0033.