7282

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7282
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, R. I. P.
• Title: Final Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

To maintain a genetically healthy hatchery stock that is needed to complete
hatchery-related research, it is necessary immediately to obtain: (a) a
limited number of wild individuals of the rare fishes as hatchery broodstock;
or (b) milt from wild males which would be used to fertilize eggs of female
broodstock in the hatchery. The latter method is preferable, since wild
individuals should remain in their natural environment. Genetic studies may
be needed on all species to test for variation among wild individuals from the
different subbasins.
Refugia for all four species should be maintained in more than one hatchery as
a safeguard against disease and possible extinction. The bonytail may benefit
the most from a hatchery refugium, since it is presently on the verge of
extinction in the upper basin. Because the immediate goal is to prevent
extinction of the bonytail, major emphasis should be placed upon stocking of
bonytails in conjunction with a continuing habitat analysis and major
population monitoring and research effort.
4.3.4 Hatchery Production Program
If the research program confirms that hatchery-reared fish will survive and
reproduce successfully in the wild, then a hatchery production program should
be implemented. At that time, additional hatchery facilities may be needed to
produce individuals for reintroduction into the wild (see Section 5.4 Capital
Funds). If introductions prove successful, there is a possibility that
hatchery-reared individuals could augment existing populations, inhabit
historic habitat, or expand the present range of these species.
4.3.5 Selected Course of Action
a. The Service will use existing facilities and capabilities at Dexter (New
Mexico) and Willow Beach (Arizona) National Fish Hatcheries or other
facilities (if necessary) to raise the target number of rare fishes needed
for the research program, unless or until grow-out ponds can meet these
needs. Existing hatchery facilities must be capable of rearing disease-
free, genetically viable and healthy fish eggs, larvae, and juveniles.
b. Hatchery broodstocks for the bonytail chub, the Colorado squawfish, or the
razorback sucker must be enlarged by capture of wild individuals or
preferably by introduction of wild gametes (eggs and milt) into the
broodstocks for upper basin fish. A broodstock for the humpback chub will
also be developed. Two or more refugia for each species are recommended.
c. Procedures for producing the rare species in hatcheries for the research
program will be developed by the Service. This will include details on:
1. Maintenance of genetic diversity;
2. Collection and transport of gametes or adults from the wild to the
hatchery facility;
3. Procedures for spawning at the hatchery;
4. Location of fish stocks;
5. Details on research projects; and
6. Method of transport and release to the wild.
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