The snail darter is a small fish with "no economic or recreational value" to us which was proclaimed to be an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1978 during the construction of the Tellico Dam in Tennessee. If the dam was completed, only 15% of it was left undone, the filling of the resevoir behind the dam would totally destroy the snail darter's habitat, causing it to become extinct.
PRO:(for building the Tellico Dam):
Some people argued that Congress didn't intend for the Endangered Species Act to stop large public works projuects that had already consumed a lot of money and would benefit many people
CON:(for stopping the building of the Tellico Dam and saving the Snail Darter):
Opponents to the Pro-Dam people countered that Congress had legitimate reasons for placing the preservation of endangered species and their habitats above all else. They furthered their argument be presenting the simple fact that human economic needs would always overpower the needs of wildlife.
CONCLUSION:
In 1978 the United States Supreme Court, in a six to three decision, decided to protect the snail darter and to not complete the dam. In the early 1980s, however, Congress voted to exempt the snail darter from the Endangered Species Act and to approve the completion of the Tellico Dam. Thus, destroying the snail darter's natural habitat.
