The American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is listed by the IUCN as vulnerable. This species has declined in some portions of its traditional range and disappeared from other parts of said range, populations can still be found in 22 states ranging from the Midwest to the eastern United States. There is a sport fishing culture around this species but not all states allow the species to be legally fished for. These individuals were produced at a USFWS facility and photographed there in 2018. The goal of the program is to keep this spectacular fish with us. The only other species of paddlefish, the Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius) is presumed extinct.