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

1. A 2-year to 4-year creel survey will be conducted by the States to
document the extent of incidental taking and to aid in determining
where permanent or seasonal closures or other restrictions may be
needed to prevent or reduce incidental mortalities. Among the areas
that have been recommended for study, the following deserve immediate
attention:
(a) Black Rocks (RM 135-136) on Colorado River;
(b) Westwater (RM 116-124) on Colorado River;
(c) Grays Canyon/Three Fords (RM 148-157) on Green River;
(d) Yampa Canyon (RM 0-56) on Yampa River; and
(e) White River (RM 0-21, 104-109).
2. Regulations should be adopted and enforced by the States of Colorado
and Utah that prohibit seining in and below all confirmed and
suspected spawning areas, young-of-the-year habitat, and juvenile
nursery areas, to prevent incidental mortalities to rare fish species.
3. The Service will determine acceptable levels of incidental take of
endangered species in relation to angling to be used in defining the
above-noted restrictions.
d. A multifaceted information and education program will be implemented
immediately by Federal and State management personnel (3). Specific
measures will be needed to inform and educate the general public and may
include:
I. Education at the time fishing licenses are purchased, including
identification of rare fishes and information on penalties for
destroying the endangered fishes;
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2. Increased contact with anglers by Federal and State game management ,
and enforcement personnel while they are in the process of fishing;
and
3. Posting of signs at higher concentration angler use areas.
e. A rigorous enforcement program will be implemented by Federal and State
game management agencies to minimize incidental taking of endangered
fishes.
4.5 RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Well-defined research, monitoring, and data management programs will be an
integral part of the rare fish management and recovery program and will
constitute integral parts of each recovery element. Research programs will be
pursued to identify criteria for recovery, test the effectiveness of
management and recovery strategies, and examine and evaluate the needs of the
fish. Monitoring is needed to track population status and trends and to
(3) Public relations is important to acceptance and implementation of the
whole recovery program and should be given primary consideration.
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