8123

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8123
• Author: Wydoski, R. S.
• Title: Coordinated Hatchery Facility Plan
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: Need for Captive-Reared Endangered Fish and Propagation Facilities.
• Copyright Material: NO

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it may be necessary to conduct experimental augmentation stocking in
the Gunnison River through a Program-approved stocking plan.
VI. ENDANGERED FISH NEEDS FOR THE RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
A. Functions of Endangered Fish Propagation. Captive propagation is an
important part in restoration of endangered fish and wildlife species
because it provides animals for refugia, research and development,
information and education, and stocking. The following Program endangered
fish needs were identified by purpose and species:
Fish Needs by Purpose and Species
Purpose Species
Razorback Bonytail Humpback Colorado
sucker chub sguawfish
1. Refugia X X X X
2. Research & Development X X X
3. Information & Education X X X X
4. Augmentation &
Restoration Stocking X X X
There is general agreement on purposes 1, 2, and 3 but not on purpose 4.
In addition, it should be noted that not all fish needs for the first 3
purposes have been identified.
1. Refugia. Refuges serve a vital function in maintaining and protecting
the genetic integrity of endangered fish and wildlife stocks. As'wild
stocks decline, refuges not only provide safety to a part of the stock
but can be used to develop broodstocks. As outlined under Breeding
Strategies" (Section VI, B, 2), the endangered Colorado River fishes
placed in refuges will be used for broodstock production using a 5 X 5
breeding matrix. Although this matrix is considered a minimum to
maintain genetic diversity, twenty-five (25) family lots are
manageable in hatchery operations. Additional wild fish will be used
periodically to supplement the genetic diversity of the broodstock.
Endangered fish production from broodstock development in refuges
should provide enough fish for research and development studies as
well as for information and education programs. Furthermore,
broodstocks in refuges can be used to provide progeny for some
experimental augmentation and restoration stocking (Williamson 1993c).
2. Research and Development. Research and development are vital to
provide pertinent information for making intelligent Program decisions
regarding the implementation of actions to recover the endangered
Colorado River fishes. Research is always done in a phased, logical
manner to answer specific questions, provide important information, or
to evaluate experimental efforts relative to implementation of
specific recovery strategies.
Propagation is particularly important in providing experimental fish
for studies related to identification of ecological requirements by
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