4209

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 4209
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Alternative Methods of Preserving and Recovering Three Endangered Colorado River Fishes, and Identification of Significant Environmental Issues.
• USFW Year: n.d.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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C. Hatchery Production and Stocki~Withuut Habitat Restoration
Research conducted under the CRrP indicates that populations
of the Colorado squawfish n~iy b~~ declining i.n the UCRB under
current conditions. The humpback chub is currently restricted
to only two known locations. The bonytzil-chub has essentially
been extirpated as a viable. species in the UCRB. The status
of these species may dictate the need fur artificial production
to maintain gene pools, and upon using these hatchery-produced
individuals for restuckin[; into suitr,blc areas of the river
system.
This alternative would involve using hatchery facilities to
preserve artificially produced [x~pu.lations of each species,
and provide a basis for supplementing existing populations or
introducing into selected areas. Such a facility would provide
the emphasis upon which preservation and recovery would be
based. Since hatchery production success appears likely, at
least for the squawfish and }iumpback, enough individuals could
conceivably be produced to offset the number lost through
being stocked in unsuitable habitat or under less-than-optimum
conditions. This alternative does not include further research
into habitat needs and construction of lrabitat-restoration
features.
A decision has not-been made as to whither such a facility, if
implemented, should be a-newly constructed one located at a
site considered convenient, ur whether an existing cold-water
hatchery can be converted to the fishes' needs. The FWS has
begun preliminary investigations into the feasibility and
suitable locations of both possibilities. The FWS welcomes
additional comments and suggestions un this aspect.
D. Protection of Identified Populations Onl
Under this alternative, known populations for the fish would
be preserved through the provisions of Section 7 but no other
actions would be taken under the plan to offset other impacts
potentially arising from continued development of the river
system. This alternative may be adequate for maintaining the
humpback chub at current levels, since the two known populations
appear to be stable in their restricted range. It may not be
feasible for the Colorado squawfish, however, as its highly
mobile habits result in increased vulnerability to a greater
number of environmental factors, both known and unknown.
Subsequently, it may continue to decline in numbers and range
under a protective-only mode. 'Cl,u bunytail is likely also to