8091

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8091
• Author: Miller, W. H., et al.
• Title: White River Fishes Study
• USFW Year: 1982.
• USFW - Doc Type: Final Report.
• Copyright Material: NO

The biological significance of endangered Colorado River fishes in
the White River was investigated by characterizing the fishery habitat
(including physicochemical and biological parameters) so the function
and interactions of the endangered fish could be investigated from an
ecosystem approach. Also, additional life history information about
these endangered species was needed. The White River study was organ-
ized as follows:
1. An investigation of fishery habitat. Physicochemical data
were collected from identified habitats where fishes were
collected. Habitat preferences and species interactions
for all species were the desired product. A standardized
sampling program was designed to meet this general objective.
2. An investigation of the life history of rare and endangered
fishes. Specific information about young, juvenile and adult D
stages obtained relative to habitat requirements, migration,
movement, interspeeific competition and associated species.
A special investigations program was developed to meet this
objective and included:
(a) Abundance and distribution of young Colorado squaw-
fish.
(b) Radiotelemetry of adult Colorado squawfish.
METHODS
Standardized Sampling Program
A standardized program was developed in the fall of 1980 for
sampling 150 mi (241 km) of the White River in 1980-1981;, from Rio
Blanco Lake in Colorado to the White-Green confluence at Ouray, Utah.
Since it was impossible to adequately sample this entire riverine area
with allocated manpower, sub-samples were made.
The river system consisted of five 17-38 mile (28-62 km) sections
of relatively homogeneous fishery habitat, including canyon sections,
low gradient braided sections, transition zones between these two, and
high gradient, relatively clear water sections. The sampling design
treated each homogeneous section as discrete strata (Figure 2) in order
to provide a good distribution of samples and reduce sampling variability.
Criterian incorporated into the delineation of strata included both
geophysical (river channel configuration, substrate types, gradient and
depth) and biological parameters (productive bottomlands, sterile sand
flats, productive backwaters, swift canyons and point sources of organic
materials). m
4.