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<br />foodbase is assumed to be both derived from primary production and limited to consumers such <br />as native and endangered fish. Algal production appears to support the major component of the <br />foodbase in the upper river section, yet it remains uncertain whether or not algal production is as <br />important, or as limiting to the downstream food web. The aquatic protocol evaluation panel had <br />concems with the lack of empirica1\y established linkages between food base and fishes, and <br />identified that a possible consequence of the recent increase in primary and secondary production <br />may differentially benefit non-native species (competitors or predators) over native species. <br />Research and the restructuring of the existing foodbase monitoring program is warranted in light <br />of its importance toward meeting stakeholder objectives. <br /> <br />Summary Project Description: This study will address a number of issues identified by the <br />aquatic protocol evaluation panel. This project focuses on the research and development of an <br />organic budget and food web linkage program as an organizational framework to determine <br />whether or not the aquatic foodbase is limiting, and to determine what organic sources, and <br />where limitations occur within the Colorado River system. This requires several approaches: I) <br />conduct in-stream metabolism and community respiration experiments; 2} quantifying organic <br />and inorganic carbon flux and decompositional rates; and 3) based on findings of the organic <br />mass balance research develop an effective sampling design having the appropriate sampling <br />methods and frequency for assessing and quantifying organic flux (sources, pools, <br />transformations and movement). Sampling will focus on research and development ofaltemate <br />collecting devices (e.g., Hester-Dendie, drift sample collections) and altemate sample processing <br />techniques during 2005-2007. Sampling will be coordinated with the fisheries and quality of <br />water programs to encourage true linkages of variables collected and variables of biological <br />significance in a food web framework. Request for proposals will be developed during 2005 <br />addressing items above for initiation during 2006. Development oflong term monitoring <br />protocols will proceed during 2005-2007 based on the results of research and development <br />during 2005-2006. It is anticipated that a request for proposals to implement a long term <br />monitoring program wi1\ be developed in 2008. <br /> <br />MO's and RIN's ADDRESSED: Goal I; MO's \.1, 1.2, \.3, 1.4, 1.5; <br />Status/Schedule: Project scheduled for implementation in FY06 and to continue through FY08. <br /> <br />GCMRC FY2006 Annual Work rtan (Draft, June 10,2005) <br /> <br />45 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />I. <br /> <br />. <br />