Native Fish Conservation Areas (NFCAs)

Open

The FoTX database in general, and its species distribution models in particular, were foundational for development of the Texas Native Fish Conservation Areas (NFCA) Network (Birdsong et al. 2019). This Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program is a holistic, multispecies, and habitat-based approach to conservation at the watershed scale that is now at the heart of aquatic ecosystem conservation efforts in Texas.

The springs, ciénegas, creeks, rivers, and associated watersheds comprising the NFCAs have been determined to be of highest priority for preservation of the Texas freshwater fish fauna. The Texas NFCAs Network enables a strategic focus on collaborative, science-based stewardship of native freshwater fishes. It has increased awareness of the ecological, recreational, and economic values of Texas freshwater systems, and enhanced interest and ability of local landowners, communities, and recreational users to act as advocates and local stewards of these systems.

Birdsong, T. W., G. P. Garrett, B. J. Labay, M. G. Bean, P. T. Bean, J. Botros, M. J. Casarez, A. E. Cohen, T. G. Heger, A. Kalmbach, D. A. Hendrickson, S. J. Magnelia, K. B. Mayes, M. McGarrity, R. McGillicuddy, M. M. Parker, and S. Robertson. 2019. Texas Native Fish Conservation Areas Network: Strategic investments in restoration and preservation of freshwater fish diversity. Pages 183 - 229 in D. C. Dauwalter, T. W. Birdsong, and G. P. Garrett, editors. Multispecies and watershed approaches to freshwater fish conservation. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 91, Bethesda, Maryland.