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<br />Status: <br /> <br />· The Larval Fish Laboratory verified eight larval razorback sucker from <br />samples collected in spring 2002 in the Gunnison River. Since razorback <br />sucker have been extirpated from the Gunnison, and stocking efforts there have <br />occurred since 1996, these larval razorback sucker are the product of hatchery- <br />reared fish. This study was expanded in 2003 to include locating spawning <br />sites. <br /> <br />· Mark-recapture population estimates are underway to determine progress <br />toward achieving the recovery goals. This past spring was the last in a 4-year <br />sampling effort to obtain population estimates for Colorado pikeminnow in the <br />middle Green River and an expanded 3-year sampling effort for Colorado <br />pikeminnow in the lower Green River. A draft report on these annual <br />population estimates is due in March 2004. A 3-year sampling effort for <br />annual Colorado pikeminnow population estimates in the Colorado River was <br />initiated this past spring. <br /> <br />· Expanded sampling efforts for humpback chub population estimates are to <br />begin this fall in Yampa, Westwater, and Desolation/Gray canyons. The Black <br />Rocks humpback chub population also is being sampled. The Cataract Canyon <br />humpback chub population estimate may again have to be postponed if <br />sufficient flows are not available. <br /> <br />VI. Public Involvement Information. and Education <br /> <br />Goal: To promote public understanding, appreciation, and support for e~forts to recover <br />the endangered fish. <br /> <br />Status: <br /> <br />· News Media: A proactive effort to promote this year's nonnative fish <br />management work and public meetings resulted in good news media coverage. <br />This effort will be ongoing. Other news media stories have addressed students <br />releasing razorback sucker into the river after raising them in classrooms and <br />the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Yampa River Management. News <br />clips are distributed routinely to the I&E Committee, interested Management <br />Committee members, and anyone else upon request. <br /> <br />· Implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for expanded <br />nonnative fish management actions is ongoing and requires active participation <br />and cooperation by the States of Colorado and Utah, the Fish and Wildlife <br />Service and Colorado State University. Other program partners should also be <br />familiar with thi,s effort and provide support and assistance as appropriate. <br /> <br />· As part of this communications strategy, public meetings were held in April in <br />Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs and Craig, Colorado, and in Vernal and <br />Green River, Utah. Fact sheets and questions/answers were developed and <br />distributed and are available on the Recovery Program's public website. <br /> <br />II <br />