9680

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9680
• Author: Mills, L.
• Title: Plan for the Propagation of Threatened and Endangered Fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin - Draft.
• USFW Year: 1988.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

activities outlined in the Recovery Program was provided by a Hatchery Task
Force, which provided an additional assessment of Upper Colorado River Basin
rare fishes propagation needs. While the Task Force developed some specific
information that will be useful in further planning, their work requires
updating.
NEED FOR PLAN AND STRATEGY
With the Recovery .Program in place, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive
plan and strategy for propagation to effectively-meet recovery goals. A
successful propagation program will require a logical sequence of events, not
heretofore included in any feasibility study or agency plans. It will require:
1) constant-full-time involvement of trained technical staff to develop,
manage, and execute; 2) a commitment on the part of the agencies involved; 3) a
sound, reasoned, and professional approach to address the technical aspects of
fish culture; 4)an in-depth genetic evaluation and plan; and 5) detailed site
(both existing and new) and engineering assessments. The Fish and Wildlife
Service does not currently have in Region 6 the appropriate genetic expertise
nor fish culture staff to assign this effort, and the engineering staff is
severely limited. Genetic expertise can be contracted; but a fish culture --
expert to develop, manage, and execute a propagation plan must be acquired if
this plan is to be implemented +with any hope of success.