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0 <br />limitations are evident with the experiment. Some of the important <br />limitations are: <br />1. Hatchery production, breeding, food, tagging, and rearing will be <br />dependent upon hatchery facilities and ponds available to the <br />Ib program. <br />2. Short-term studies will be required to obtain adequate results from <br />the initial experimental stocking of a few fish. Long-term <br />evaluation studies will be required if subsequent stockings take <br />place; benefits may not be realized for 7-10 years. <br />3. Determining success or failure may be difficult if clear recovery <br />goals are not first established. <br />4. There may be genetic risks or potential negative impacts to the wild <br />population from fish artificially propagated and stocked in the <br />river (previously discussed). <br />SUMMARY <br />0 1. The total catch of adult razorback sucker in the upper Colorado <br />River and its 'tributaries have declined drastically from 1974 to <br />1991. Recruitment failure appears to have occurred because <br />recruitment of young razorback sucker has not been documented in the <br />upper Colorado River over the past 28 years. Because of this, <br />remaining populations in the upper Colorado River are composed <br />D exclusively of old, adult fish. <br />2. Artificial propagation and stocking of razorback sucker is a vital <br />component to recovery of this species. An experimental stocking <br />program using hatchery-reared razorback sucker might provide useful <br />37 <br />10