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<br />In order to evaluate the status, life history and habitat require- <br />ments for the four target species, it was necessary to characterize <br />fishery habitat (including physicochemical and biological parameters) so <br />that the function and interactions of the endangered fish could be <br />investigated from an ecosystem approach. Also, certain life history <br />information about these endangered species was needed. The Vernal field <br />station, therefore, organized its study with two main objectives: <br />1. To characterize fishery ha~iitat. This included collections <br />of physicochemical data for all fish species in identified <br />habitats. Habitat preferences and species interactions for <br />all species was the desired end product. A standardized <br />sampling program was designed to meet this general <br />objective. <br />2. To obtain life history information for rare and endangered <br />fish species. As stated in the MOU, specific information about <br />young and adult habitat requirements, migration and movement, <br />interspecific competition, etc. was desired. A special <br />investigations program was developed to meet this objective, <br />and a series of separate studies was included in the program. <br />These individual studies included: <br />a. Abundance and distribution of young Colorado squawfish <br />b. Movements and habitat preferences of young Colorado <br />squawfish <br />c. Radiotelemetry of adult Colorado squawfish <br />d. Habitat preference and taxonomy of Gila spp. <br />