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<br />VI. <br />incorporated into the integrated research plan in FY-1992. Components <br />of the integrated research plan were designed to test null hypotheses <br />relating to seasonal operation of Flaming Gorge Dam. The long --erm <br />monitoring/ research effort is embodied in the Systematic Data Collection <br />and Research program (SDCR). The purpose of this program is to provide <br />a consistent index of relative fish abundance and population structure <br />over the five year study period against which impacts of different water <br />years and seasonal flows on fish populations could be assessed. SDCR <br />consists of four elements which directly assess effects of seasonal and <br />yearly operation of Flaming Gorge Dam on reproduction and recruitment of <br />endangered fish and in the system. The four elements include <br />reproduction, survival of young fish to the fall season, overwinter <br />survival of young fish, and the link between recruitment of young <br />Colorado squawfish and recruitment to adult stocks. <br />Hypotheses studies was the second component of the integrated research <br />plan. Specific questions concerning mechanisms by which flows affected <br />fish populations or how seasonal flows recommendations, particularly <br />winter and spring, would affect selected aspects of fisheries would be <br />answered by designing studies to answer specific test hypotheses. <br />The habitat management component was added in 1992 for the purpose of <br />testing and refining specific management concepts and projects, <br />particularly as c_:ey relate to flow management. <br />A summary of the tasks (studies) which will be conducted under each <br />element of the integrated study plan can be found in Attachment B. <br />Detailed Scopes of Work for the individual studies proposed for Fiscal <br />Year (FY) 1992 are provided in Attachment C. <br />Task Description: <br />Eleven tasks (studies) proposed in the 1992 Scope of Work as part of the <br />Flaming Gorge Flow Recommendation Investigations are listed below. <br />Tasks one through five are part of the SDCR studies, tasks six through <br />ten are hypotheses studies, while task 11 falls under the habitat <br />management component. Detailed Scopes of Work for SDCR, hypothesis <br />studies, and habitat management projects are given in Attachment C. <br />SDCR <br />Task 1. Annual assessment of Colorado squawfish reproduction and <br />larval fish abundance in the lower Yampa River, Colorado, and <br />the Green River near Green River, Utah. <br />Task 2. Availability and quality of nursery habitat for Colorado <br />squawfish in the Green River. <br />Task 3. An evaluation of Colorado squawfish recruitment <br />Task 4. Overwinter survival <br />3