Cambarus obeyensis, known as the Obey crayfish (source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)-
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NASHVILLE (AP) - The Center for Biological Diversity says it will keep pressing for the federal government to protect the Obey crayfish.
According to a news release from the center, the fish is found only in Cumberland, Fentress, Overton and Putnam counties. The release says it is threatened by water pollution, sand mining and drought.
The center said protecting the crayfish from pollution will also protect people downstream who rely on the Obey River for fishing, recreation and drinking water.
Tennessee is home to 78 species of crayfish, second only to Alabama.
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