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<br />~ <br /> <br />36 <br /> <br />Hatchery augmentation <br /> <br />This approach was listed by two respondents, and in both cases, augmentation was <br />listed in conjunction with other means listed above. A specific criterion was suggested for <br />a 180 mm length minimum for stocking hatchery-reared endemics (presumably referring to <br />the four endangered big river species). <br /> <br />Question 1 0: Have you, your agency, or associates attempted any of the above, and with what <br />success (or failure)? <br /> <br />Nine of the respondents answered in the negative for this question. The remaining <br />responses were grouped by the same categories in Question 9: <br /> <br />Sport fishery regulation <br /> <br />Few of the approaches suggested by the respondents in the previous question have <br />been attempted or evaluated. Other than obvious restrictions on harvest of endangered <br />fishes, no regulations have been created or evaluated to limit the take of endemic species <br />or promote the harvest of nonnative species within the Colorado River Basin. Conflicting <br />recommendations from respondents on the use of trotlines for the harvest of catfish <br />underscores the need for better information regarding the incidental take of endangered <br />fishes caused by this angling method. In order to manipulate angling regulations through <br />seasonal closures, reach closures, or tackle restrictions, the degree and timing of potential <br />angling impact should be evaluated. Emergency closure of the tailwaters of Taylor Draw <br />Dam on the White River, Colorado, to angling, which is now a continuing regulation, is a <br />case in point of remedying a recognized, specific impact Several respondents cited a recent <br />creel survey conducted in Utah on the Colorado River suggesting incidental take of <br />endangered fishes was nonsignificant. A 1987 creel survey conducted on the Yampa River <br />indicated daytime angling pressure on reaches containing endangered fishes was too low to <br />generate harvest estimates for game fish species (CDOW, unpublished data). In Utah, the <br />program for educating anglers to release captured endemics fishes, including the signing <br />program, was considered very successful. No evaluation of the information and education <br />program within Colorado has been undertaken. <br /> <br />Concerning baitfish regulations, Utah suggested the regulations prohIbiting seining <br />have had some success. No evaluation of similar regulations in Colorado have been <br />undertaken. Implementation of stricter regulations regarding baitfish and seining has <br />generally occurred too late, according to one respondent, to make a difference in drainages <br />where problems already occur. Regulations serve only to discourage further introductions <br />and the harvest of juvenile endangered native fishes. <br />