7144

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7144
• Author: Inslee, T. D.
• Title: Spawning and Hatching of the Razorback Sucker
• USFW Year: 1982
• USFW - Doc Type: Western Association of Fish & Game Agencies
• Copyright Material: NO

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

~..
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

37

happening to algal production. The high, very silty flows undoubtedly
scour the existing communities, and the reduced light due to deeper
water inhabits photosynthesis so primary production is undoubtedly
low (Hynes 1970). Therefore, even though the same area of substrate
wasn't sampled, the results may be comparable.
The discovery of no true plankton community was expected as
plankton cannot maintain sustaining populations in the main channels
of swift rivers. The taxa found were actually dislodged members of
the periphyton community and increased numbers in. late summer reflect
the growth of the periphyton and therefore a higher yield of dis-
lodged individuals.
The high scour potential, as well as high turbidities, probably
limit macrophytes in the Green River to a few very sheltered backwaters
or coves. Our experience on other portions of the Green River indicates
that macrophytes are very rare.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

The proposed construction and operation of a water intake system
outside the river proper should have little direct effect on the aquatic
ecosystem of the Green River. Actual instream construction could jeop-
ardize young fishes if toxic substances were allowed to drain into back-
waters, or if the backwaters were destroyed or drained. Likewise,
pumping water from backwaters could result in the impingement of some
young squawfish. But these potential problems should be alleviated by
the proposed construction and operation mode.