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genetic variability. Given the high mtDNA diversity, it seems safe to assume that each <br />individual is essentially unique; therefore, maximum diversity is achievable by maximizing <br />the numbers of individuals used in the broodstock. It is important to note that we do not <br />advocate selection for maximum variability of mtDNA or any other genetic marker, nor <br />maintenance of unique markers or their specific frequencies. Nor do we wish to enter into <br />the controversy of how much genetic variability is "enough." We simply recommend that the <br />opportunity not be missed to preserve as much as possible of the existing genetic variation for <br />this population (and species). <br />The potential numbers of razorback suckers that can be cultured in a hatchery setting are <br />spectacular, constituting a major temptation to managers assigned numerical goals for <br />recovery. Using maximum values from DNFH Annual Reports (1982-198$), 100 females 45 <br />cm SL could yield 1.43 X 106 ova. If survival to swim-up was 71.4%, 1.02 X 106 larvae <br />would result. With 10% survival to a size of ±30 cm SL, 1.02 X 105 fish (nearly twice the <br />estimated wild population) could be available for reintroduction in one reproductive season. <br />Following this scenario, however, old, wild fish would die and be replaced by progeny from <br />DNFH. Because of space limitations on broodstock numbers (potentially exacerbated by <br />inbreeding), genetic variability will be dramatically reduced. <br />Thus, while hatchery culture can be used to quickly produce large numbers of progeny, <br />genetic variability will suffer. Even under ideal circumstances (e.g., ea~ualizing contributions <br />of each individual to prevent adaptation to captive breeding; Allendorf, 1993), hatchery <br />culture and stocking can maintain only a small proportion of the variability. This is because <br />numbers of wild-caught broodfish required to maintain variability even approaching that <br />indicated for Lake Mohave are clearly prohibitive. If conditions are not ideal, problems from <br />unequal contribution of parents (as indicated by the 1990 year class), inadvertent~elecdon <br />25 <br />