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the State recognize individual anglers for the catch-and-release of "trophy" northern pike, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye or any other sport fish taken within Critical Habitat of endangered fishes in western Colorado? Furthermore, are northern pike, walleye, crappie, or any of the fish species more commonly spread via illicit stocking activity and known to have come from a body of water where the species has not been stocked or is not part of a traditional or approved management stocking scheme eligible for a Master Angler certification and recognition? It is highly likely that instances of conflicting definitions of "conservation" and "ethics" championed by the State, will result as some CDOW employees continue efforts to explain and justify to the public endeavors to combat nonnative fish species. Applying a native species conservation ethic conflicts, in some situations, with other CDOW employees espousing catch-and-release of trophy sized fishes as the pinnacle demonstrating the best of angler ethics and resource "conservation" Lastly, it appears important for CROW to empower its biologists and other employees involved in fish sampling in western Colorado to remove and/or destroy any fish captured in public bodies of water where the fish has gained access outside of CDOWs prescribed management. All employees working in particular waters should be versed in the approved and or established management for particular bodies of water and authorized to at least remove, and subsequently transfer or destroy any fish species not intended to be present in the water body as part of the approved management plan or scenario. Furthermore, this activity should become routine for any of the fish species listed as "prohibited" by the procedures (Appendix A). Action by the Public The public can help combat illicit introductions and the threat they pose to fishery resources. Try to increase your understanding of fishery management strategies and goals in the areas where you fish. When the opportunity arises, discuss this information with you fellow angler or other contacts. This knowledge can be gained by attending Angler's Roundtable meetings in you region. Other information is also available at Colorado Division of Wildlife Service Centers located in the larger towns of western Colorado. If you observe, or are otherwise aware of, an illicit transfer in progress, contact your local District Wildlife Manager. If you cannot reach your local wildlife officer, call the State Patrol of Sheriffs office -- the dispatchers know which wildlife officers are on duty and capable of responding. Other options include Colorado's Operation Game Thief 1(800)-332-4155 and the nationwide number, 1 (800)-800-9273 for reporting a violation from out-of-state. The future of fishery management for many of the species we enjoy today and the conservation of all the State's aquatic wildlife has become an important issue with the entire public. Illicit introduction of fishes poses a threat to these resources that can be overcome only if we work together to protect and preserve the State's aquatic ecosystems. Segment Objective 2: Estimate fish biomass by species, if feasible, in ponds that are pumped dry in 1996 to remove nonnative fishes along the Colorado and/or Gunnison rivers. INTRODUCTION During earlier discussions about nonnative fish control, there was a suggestion from K. Kanda, Colorado Department of Natural Resources on 1 Sept 95 to perform a pilot project to reclaim the existing fish population from a public floodplain pond and to.reestablish a warmwater sport fishery under the guidelines of 22