9314

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9314
• Author: Wick, E. J. and J. A. Hawkins.
• Title: Colorado Squawfish Winter Habitat Study.
• USFW Year: 1989.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins.
• Copyright Material: NO

and (8) discuss ways to maximize the effective population size in
captive stocks.
2. Genetics Management Plan. Genetics Management Plans will provide
procedures for development and approval of specific reintroduction or
augmentation plans to ensure that genetic diversity of wild fish will
not be compromised. The Plan will; (1) identifies and classifies
endangered and candidate fish by species and location, (2) provides
rationale on status and trends for decisions related to genetics
management, and (3) establishes priorities for intervention or
action.
3. Reintroduction/Augmentation Plans. Reintroduction/augmentation
plans, in concert with the Genetics Management Plan and Recovery Plan
provide the justification and rationale for specific actions
regarding the stocking of captive-reared fish. Reintroduction or
augmentation plans will provide details such as species, size of
fish, timing of release; location of release, genetic risks, and
monitoring/evaluation. These plans are prepared for all
experimental, augmentation, and restoration stocking and must be
approved by the Regional Director before captive rearing proceeds.
These plans must also be cleared by the Service for issuance of a
Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit or a supplemental permit and Section
7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act to ensure that these
actions will not jeopardize wild stocks.
D. Genetics Conservation Principles and Assumptions. The following genetics
conservation principles and assumptions must be considered to maintain
the genetic diversity fish stocks:
o Conservation of genetic diversity is fundamental to both short-term
ecological adaptation and long-term evolutionary potential of a
species since genetic variation is the raw material upon which
natural selection acts.
o Genetic diversity in fish stocks allows for adaptability to various
environmental conditions.
o All management activities may affect the genetic diversity of various
fish stocks. Accordingly, all proposed management activities will be
evaluated with consideration to potential genetic risks, especially
if the risks include genetic losses that may become irreversible.
o Irreversible loss of genetic diversity can be avoided or minimized
through rational and systematic planning, and implementation.
o Adaptive management (Boyce 1993: Ludwig et al. 1993; Walters and
Hillborn 1978) should be employed in recovery/restoration efforts
dealing with endangered and candidate fishes. Since there is no
"track record" for determining if recovery/restoration actions are
4