Laserfiche WebLink
4 <br />information to understanding the ecology of wild razorback sucker. <br />Field experiments using these fish could provide information on <br />factors that effect the success of wild razorback sucker in nature. <br />The justification for experimental stocking of hatchery-produced <br />razorback sucker would be to first answer specific research <br />questions essential for recovery. Stocking hatchery-reared fish <br />onto wild populations is one means to increase adult razorback <br />sucker populations in the upper Colorado River. If initial <br />experimental stocking proves successful, then stocking large numbers <br />of hatchery razorback sucker could proceed to either augment <br />existing populations or to restore populations in currently <br />unoccupied historic habitats. <br />3. There are genetic risks associated with the stocking of hatchery- <br />produced fish. These risks must be identified, acknowledged, and <br />eliminated or at least minimized whenever possible if releasing <br />hatchery fish into the wild is to proceed. The first step in <br />developing a management strategy for stocking is to identify the <br />options that result in an acceptable or minimum level of genetic <br />risk. <br />4. Pre-stocking activities include collecting wild, adult razorback <br />sucker from the upper Colorado River to establish a <br />broodstock/refugia population. This is necessary so that genetic <br />material is not lost. To ensure that genetic diversity is protected <br />and maintained, breeding strategies will be developed. Selection of <br />stream reaches for stocking razorback sucker will be determined from <br />last known collection sites over the past 17 years and criteria <br />38 <br />4