8057

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8057
• Author: Bennett, J. R., D. A. Krieger, T. P. Nesler, L. E. Harris and R. B. Nehring.
• Title: An Assessment Of Fishery Management And Fish Production Alternatives To Reduce The Impact Of Whirling Disease In Colorado.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

INTRODUCTION
This report dated September 23, 1996, supersedes all previous drafts. It is intended to
guide Director Mumma and the Colorado Wildlife Commission in decisions related to hatchery
production, aquatic resources, species protection, angling recreation, and containment of whirling
disease (WD).
The mission of the Division of Wildlife (DOW) is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the
state and provide the public the opportunity to enjoy them. Inherent in this mission is a duality
that can sometimes be cause for frustration and consternation as we attempt to carry out our
responsibilities. This has never been more difficult than with the policy and management issues
surrounding WD. For the most part, the "friction" between resource protection and fishing
recreation goals is confined to certain geographical areas of the state, notably those areas that
contain self-reproducing salmonids, native species, and WD- coldwater hatcheries.
The level of risk associated with the spread and establishment of WD varies with distance to
protected habitats, as well as a number of little-known and poorly-understood parameters.
Although we are well invested in research with other agencies, we do not currently have the
information necessary to manage the disease without incurring some level of risk. It may be
several years before this vital knowledge is available to guide our fishery program. In the short
term, the DOW has been directed by Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive
Director James Lochhead to proceed with utmost caution and, when in doubt, to consider the
needs of resource protection of paramount importance. Furthermore, the Colorado Wildlife
Commission (CWC) in its WD Policy passed in May 1996 stated, "The primary objective of the
Division of Wildlife ... is the continued protection of the health of the aquatic resources of the
state when the stocking of fish exposed to the WD parasite is considered."
The goal of this assessment is to define the role of Colorado's hatcheries in meeting the
DOW dual mission for aquatic resource protection and fishing recreation as well as the "demand"
for hatchery-reared fish. The authors will examine the factors that contribute to the demand for
fish and fishing in Colorado. We will characterize what we have learned about "demand" and
offer options for aligning hatchery production with the demand for fish. Finally, we will highlight
work that remains to be done, identify assumptions that should be verified, and propose strategies
we believe will assist the DOW in meeting reasonable requests for fish stocking, while effectively
dealing with WD.
1. OVERVIEW OF COLORADO'S AQUATIC RESOURCES
The DOW is involved in wildlife management based on the mandate in the Colorado
Revised Statutes, Title 33, which declares that it is the policy of the state of Colorado that wildlife
and their environment be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed for the use, benefit, and
enjoyment of the people of the state and its visitors. While the DOW is encouraged to offer the