Calling for emergency protection for the Oasis Valley speckled dace under the Endangered Species Act, the Center for Biological Diversity argues that immediate aid is necessary because the fish faces "existential threat." The various gold mining projects draw groundwater down which could dry out both the springs and outflows with the Oasis Valley speckled dace reside. the most imminent threat to the fish, according to the petition, is the North Bullfrog Mine, currently under permitting by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Dewatering as a result from that mine could drain groundwater levels in the fish’s habitat by as much as 13 feet. Six other such mines are proposed in the immediate area.