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DRAFTI <br />Introduction <br />The Recovery Implementation Progam has administered research on the <br />reproduction and habitat requirements of Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus Lucius) since 1987. <br />A specific program, the Interagency Standardized Monitoring Progam (ISMP), includes yearly <br />monitoring of YOY squawfish by seining backwaters in the fall. Research leading up to the <br />establishment of the ISMP suggested that YOY squawfish preferred large, deep backwater areas <br />with temperatures higher than the main channel. During the first five years of the ISMP and other <br />studies, high variation in catch rates was observed within these habitat limitations, suggesting a <br />need to further refine the definition of quality nursery habitat. <br />In addition, studies were needed to define the physical characteristics of these habitats and the <br />hydrological processes by which they are created and maintained. Concurrent geomorphology <br />studies were conducted by USU to examine this question (Jack Schmidt, pers. comm.). High <br />spring releases were requested from Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River to examine the <br />habitat forming processes. <br />Ther~re, the Nursery Habitat (1gITj study was initiated in 1991 on the Green River as part of <br />the ongoing Flaming Gorge Five Year Research Program administered by the RIP. This program <br />will be conducted through 1996. It includes many other studies designed to produce agp~ep~iate <br />recommendations for the operation of Flaming Gorge dam to benefit the four endangered fish <br />species. The results of the nursery habitat study will be integrated with other associated studies. <br />Similar studies conducted on several sections of the Colorado River under the Aspinall Studies <br />Plan began in August 1992. <br />-1- <br />