magnitude and viability of local populations of blackstripe. Water abstraction for irrigation is another threat for this fish, especially when there is low water or drought. Oil seepage from equipment and vehicles could harm the blackstripe topminnow because of its habit of feeding at the surface of the water where slicks occur. First designated as a species of Special Concern by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) in April 1985, its status was re-examined and confirmed in May 2001 and May 2012. The blackstripe topminnow is now listed in Canada under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). As well, the federal Fisheries Act prohibits destruction of fish habitat. The blackstripe topminnow is also one of many species covered by the Sydenham River Recovery strategy. The Sydenham River Recovery Strategy, completed in 2003, was the first recovery strategy in Canada to use an ecosystem approach for aquatic species. The blackstripe topminnow is now being protected as part of a larger plan to return the Sydenham River's ecosystem to health. References External links Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) illustrations from Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Accessed December 2, 2007. Blackstripe topminnow illustration from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Accessed December 2, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070710014516/http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/species/species_blackstripe_topminnow_e.asp Blackstripe topminnow Freshwater fish of the United States Fish of Canada Fish of the Eastern United States Fish of the Great Lakes Fish described in 1820 Taxa named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque