While population size is difficult to determine, this species continues to be commonly found in schools near the surface throughout Lake Waccamaw. It remains vulnerable to threats to water quality and habitat degradation from human-made land-use activities, drought, physical constraints of its habitat, and natural and introduced predators. This narrow endemic, confined to a single lake in North Carolina, received Endangered Species Act protection as an endangered species on April 8, 1987.  

Partnerships, research and projects 

1. The Service works with other organizations to protect and maintain a self-sustaining population of Waccamaw silverside in Lake Waccamaw and to protect its habitat from present and foreseeable threats. 
2. A natural area preserve at the northern portion of Lake Waccamaw is beneficial for water quality and ensures protection of the species. 
3. The Service works with appropriate federal and state agencies to identify actions that could negatively affect the species and incorporate protective measures into such actions 
4. Permits for wetland alterations (Section 404 of the Clean Water Act) have the potential to adversely impact wetlands, headwaters, and streams that flow into Lake Waccamaw and wetlands along the lakeshore.