7870

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7870
• Author: Lentsch, L. D., et al.
• Title: Options For Selective Control Of Nonnative Fishes In The Upper Colorado River Basin - Final Report.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

nonnative fishes that are potential or existing threats to
endangered or other native fishes in the UCRB (Objective 2).
Physicochemical approaches are the most promising control
option for most nonnative cypriniform fishes. Correlative
evidence has demonstrated that relative abundance of red shiner
Cyprinella lutrensis, sand shiner Notropis stramineus, fathead
minnow Pimephales promelas, and redside shiner Richardsonius
balteatus is negatively affected by high river discharges and
associated lower water temperatures. Selective control of common
carp Cyprinus carpio and white sucker Catostomus commersoni will
probably require a combination of physicochemical approaches and
mechanical or chemical treatments.
The other nonnative fishes of concern are sport fishes.
Mechanical removal is the most promising method to selectively
control channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and black bullhead
Ameiurus melas. Further expansion (e.g., increases in relative
abundance) of northern pike Esox lucius can be reduced with
increased fishing pressure, installation of barriers to prevent
downstream movement from reservoirs, and netting and/or
electrofishing areas of high concentration. Control measures
directed toward centrarchids should begin by reducing their
escapement from impoundments. Prevention of future stockings of
centrarchids in off-channel habitats or isolating these habitats
from river channels would ultimately reduce their abundance
throughout the basin. Targeting spawning aggregations for
netting, electrofishing, and/or chemical treatment also are
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