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

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define the overall success of the recovery program. A data management system
is needed to provide timely analysis of research program data, to allow
analysis and reporting of monitoring program data, and to generally be an
information resource for directing management and recovery activities.
Appropriate Federal and State permits will be required.
4.5.1 Research
Research needs and priorities are included in the attached tables
(Appendix 6.2). Proposed projects were categorized as: (a) monitoring,
(b) life history/habitat, (c) testing of management approaches, and
(d) institutional or administrative actions. Activities in these categories
have been prioritized numerically from a high of 1 to a low of 5 according to
their contribution toward achieving recovery goals for the rare Colorado River
fishes and, in some cases, their importance in Section 7 consultation.
Monetary, manpower, and time constraints were not considered in determining
priorities and will need to be factored into the recovery program by the
Implementation Committee.
Detailed study plans for each project will be developed. Criteria will be
developed for each research project to evaluate success and to determine a
project's contribution to recovery. The program should remain dynamic, with
periodic review and refinement by the Implementation Committee.
4.5.2 Monitoring
Monitoring is defined as an ongoing program to determine the status and
population trends of rare species. In the past, monitoring has not been
distinguished from research, and it has been difficult to define the status
and trends of rare species populations. The monitoring program is distinct
from the research program, which may include similar types of data collection
but which will be more focused on specific reaches, management strategies,
etc. An initial set of priorities has been identified for the monitoring
program (see Table 4.3). Standardized methods must be used by all groups so
that spatial and temporal trends can be identified.
4.5.3 Data Management
' Federal, State, and private agencies have collected extensive amounts of data
on the life history, behavior characteristics, and habitat requirements of
rare fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The status and quality of these
' data are quite variable, and improved management and analysis of these data
are priority management concerns. Research activities using existing data, to
assess matters such as effect of flow and temperature on nonnative fish and
refining the definition of sensitive areas are listed in the research
priorities table (Appendix 6.2). A centralized data management system should
be established to: (a) make the best possible use of existing data and
(b) ensure a coordinated and effective data management and analysis effort in
the future. Such a system is key to conducting cost-effective research and
monitoring programs, and its development should be given initial high priority
in the recovery program.
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