7715

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7715
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, C. R. F. R. T.
• Title: Bonytail Chub Recovery Plan.
• USFW Year: 1990.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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131. Develop and implement an artificial propagation and rearinq
pl an.

A plan should be developed for bony tail chub propagation. The
plan should identify the numbers of fish needed, rates of
stocking, size of fish to be stocked, and where and when the
fish would be propagated and reared. Artificial propagation
and restocking is necessary to prevent extinction of the
species, therefore Tasks 1311-1313 are Priority 1 actions.

1311. Assess and refine propaQation techniques to maximize
survival in wild.

Considerable information regarding hatchery propagation
of bony tail chub has been developed through ongoing
efforts in the Lower Basin by facilities such as Dexter
and Willow Beach. As new information on propagation and
maintenance techniques becomes available through
continued efforts, such techniques will be assessed and
refined as necessary to maximize survival and genetic
diversity and minimize mortality. One additional year
of analysis may be sufficient to finalize propagation
and maintenance techniques.

1312. Maximize genetic diversity.

Maintain and propagate bony tail chub with the objective
of maximizing and maintaining genetic diversity. The
value of retaining the genetic integrity of both Upper
Basin and Lower Basin bony tail gene pools will be
recognized. It is anticipated that at least 10 years
captive propagation will ultimately be required.

1313. Rear bony tail chub to a size that promotes good Dost-
stockinQ survival.

Previous studies on reintroduction efforts for razorback
suckers and Colorado squawfish have shown that stocking
of larger fish results in greater survival. However,
stocking of individuals that have become dependent upon
hatchery conditions may contribute to low survival.
Efforts should be made to determine and release the
sizes of bony tail chub individuals that will yield
maximum survival. Each release site should be monitored
to assess survival of fish, as specified in Task 132.

132. Conduct exoerimental stocking of bony tail chub and identify
oriority recovery sites.

Adult bony tail chub can be used in the identification and
evaluation of high priority stocking sites. Their movement,
survival, and habitat selection at various times of the year
may offer information on the limiting factors affecting
bony tail chub survival and abundance. Additionally,

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