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xv ABSTRACT National Resource Lands in southeastern Utah contain large deposits of coal which may soon be exploited. This study was undertaken to determine ' the present status of fish populations within the proposed coal mining areas. Of particular interest was the distribution of threatened or endangered fish species. Data was collected from seven major rivers including the Green, Price, San Rafael, Dirty Devil, Escalante, Paria and Virgin. Supplementary observations were made on the invertebrate fauna, water quality, and habitat quality. Review of historical data for each parameter was followed by field sampling. Historical data on fish distribution in southeastern Utah indicated that ' rare fish species were found only in the Green and Colorado Rivers (Squawfish, Ptychocheilus lucius; humpback chub, Gila cypha; humpback sucker, Xyrauchen texanus; bonytail chub, G. elegans) and Virgin River (Virgin River spinedace, ' Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis; woundfin, Plagopterus argentissimus, Virgin River roundtail chub, G. robusta seminuda). Field sampling did not extend the known range of any rare fish. The range of each was depicted on Bureau of Land Management land status maps. A significant finding was that ' of juvenile squawfish in Desolation Canyon--an indication of successful ' spawning of this species. The life history of each rare fish is discussed. No specimens of unique subspecies of cutthroat trout (i.e. Salmo clarki utah ' or S. c. pleuriticus) were found. At this time, "Critical Habitat" has only been proposed for the Colorado ' squawfish. Recommendations have been made for the other species, but no ' official action has been taken. Proposed "Critical Habitat" for the humpback chub, bonytail chub, and humpback sucker will probably closely approximate ' that of the Colorado squawfish. "Critical Habitat"for the Virgin River