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Population Augmentation or Re-establishment Knowledge of genetic control and olfactory response to imprinted odors can assist in recovery of Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker by augmenting existing populations, or establishing new populations of the fishes. This Iwill require incorporation of new ideas into fisheries management, and long-te~rnl field efforts to successfully augment or reestablish new populations. We propose that the larger, and presumably more stable populations in t~e Yampa-Green system be evaluated and studied for population attributes, and to determine relationships between fish response and environmental conditions. Although some "natural" imprinting would be evaluated in Colorado squawfis and razorback sucker in the Green River, other locations would be more acceptable for augmentation and re-establishment. Population augmentation should be attempted in the Colorado River, by utilizing existing knowledge. Reestablishment and testing of synthetic substances might be best conducte in the San Juan River. Finally, an effort to reestablish the fishes in I locations where they currently do not exist, perhaps in the lower basin, wbuld ultimately test the effectiveness of the developed methods. Because of tim required to test the previously mentioned hypotheses, it would be best to conduct all studies simultaneously, and to make adjustments in the program as needed, when data become available. Recommended Work for FY 1990-1991: Because all parts of this project will require several years (5-7) to ~ complete, we recommend that immediate steps be taken to implement appropri te parts. As examples, there are several projects that will be sampling targe fish during this period, including razorback sucker and Colorado squawfish,l spawning, Gila, and others. Some of these projects will have the capabilit~ to obtain genetic material and to preserve this for use in evaluating stocks of Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker. PIs in those projects should be encouraged to cooperate by obtaining needed material. If extra funds are available, they could be provided to assist sampling during the spawning seasons. Objectives include: -Develop final SOW after review and comments received from Technical Committee, select cooperators and study sites (i.e., spawning areas). -Develop sampling protocols ,and identify sampling teams for various locations. -Develop non-lethal tissue-sampling techniques and collect tissues an gametes, obtain larvae, tag fish. -Contact field personnel involved in on-going work, provide them with guidelines and any needed equipment to tag breeding fish and to obtain gene ic material from fish they may encounter. -Begin work on RFP's for contractors, memoranda of agreement for cooperating agencies. -Develop and finalize any needed MOU's between agencies, develop and 17