Due to their limited habitat range, decreasing habitat availability, and hybridization, shoal bass are identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in both Florida and Georgia. Based on the significant impact to the shoal bass’s habitat and their greatly reduced numbers, the FWC is implementing conservation efforts to ensure that the shoal bass continue to exist in the Chipola River. The proposed amendment will prohibit the killing or possession of shoal bass on the Chipola River and its tributaries.