7899

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7899
• Author: Satterfield, J. R., Jr., W. R. Elmblad and D. Langlois.
• Title: State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Report to Colorado Wildlife Commission, Draft Stocking Analysis For Tiger Muskie In Select Western Colorado Waters.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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INTRODUCTION

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This stocking analysis has been prepared in response to Colorado Wildlife Commission
direction (Appendix A) and adheres to draft procedures for nonnative stocking criteria being
developed by the Recovery Implementation Program for endangered Colorado River fishes
(Appendix B). This analysis is not identical to, but is modeled after Section 5, elements a-g,
of the American Fisheries Society position statement on the introduction of aquatic species; rigid
adherence will be given to these guidelines in the vent a formal stocking proposal is prepared
as specified by Upper Basis Stocking Procedures. Much of the technical information presented
in this report came from the lake and stream survey records housed in the files of the Colorado
Division of Wildlife (CDOW) offices in Montrose and Grand Junction. Interpretation of these
data represent the best professional opinions and judgments of the biologists and others
responsible for management of Colorado's aquatic wildlife resource.

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Purpose of Document

This report has been prepared to assess the impacts of tiger muskie introduction in select

western Colorado reservoirs. Specifically, this report explores the following areas:

1. Tiger muskie management in the context of the dual mission of the CDOW to
protect wildlife as well as provide for recreational wildlife use.

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An evaluation of the biological suitability of the waters identified by the
Commission and the CDOW as candidates for trophy muskie management.

3. Potential impacts of tiger muskie on the aquatic wildlife communities in the
candidate waters and associated waterways (assuming escapement occurs).

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4. Stocking and monitoring strategies for minimizing potential impacts to threatened
and endangered species, other native species, and existing sportfish communities
in the event a decision to stock tiger muskie is made.

This report is also intended to provide a document for public review. The review process

for proposed stocking of tiger muskie in western Colorado reservoirs is illustrated in Figure 1.

The process is intended to openly solicit internal input and careful evaluation from external

agencies and the general public. This report does not recommend whether CDOW should

expand tiger muskie management to western Colorado, rather this document can be used by the

Wildlife Commission to help guide their decision.

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