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. . , .- .. . HOLDEN, ET AL.: THREATENED FISHES OF UTAH The 13 fishes listed in this report constitute approximately 40% of the native fishes of Utah. This indicates that Utah's aquatic environments have been greatly altered. As was noted in this report, most decimating factors were created by man. The great demand for water has altered most of the unique. aquatic environments in this arid state. The four Colorado basin species constitute 57% of the large river species native to that drainage. The three Virgin River fishes comprise 50% of the native fish fauna there. These values are indicative of the considerable amount of disturbance within the Colorado and Virgin River systems. These two river environs could be termed "endangered." Neither of these systems should be altered further until sufficient information is available to ensure survival of the native fishes. Th~ status of the fishes in the Bonneville basin is poorly understood. This basin has also suffered. major alterations in its aquatic environments. Studies are needed to determine what factors may cause other native fishes to become threatened or endangered. Monitoring of these populations should be considered, especially for species restricted to small areas, such as Bear Lake. It is further recommended that investigative efforts on the most critical species be supported first. Those projects with highest priority are: (1) least chub-continue studies of distribution and abundance; (2) bony tail chub-clarification of population status, especially reproduction; (3) Virgin River chub-ascertain cause of recent population decline; (4) June and Webug suckers-taxonomic analysis of Utah Lake suckers. Other studies recommended in the species accounts should receive support after the top priority studies are underway. It should be stressed that many of Utah's aquatic environments are being seriously threatened by human exploitation. It is intended that this report provide information for natural resource agencies in Utah, as well as other interested groups and individuals. Hopefully, it will foster more concern for the unique aquatic environments in Utah and for the unique fIShes living there. Table I compares the status of Utah's endangered fishes as determined in this report with other natural resourceapcies or organizations. Acknowledgmeats We would like to thank W. F. SiglermJd R. R. Miller for permission to use drawings of fish from their book, Fishes of Utah. Also, Debbie Ruggiero must be thanked for her drawings of Colorado squawfish, round tail chub, humpback chub, and honytail chub. The report was funded by the Ecology Center, Utah State University, and the Bonneville Chapter. 62 . ____--.--.--.~~..-...----..........c-- ~.__' .. + J' , ~