7281 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7281
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Environmental Assessment, November 1987.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

CHAPTER IV ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
scheduled to be stocked into Kenney Reservoir, Colorado (White River), as part
of research efforts to evaluate their potential as a sport fish. As planned, '
20,000 3-inch fingerlings will be planted annually for 3 years. If there is
high survival and large numbers of them move downstream from the reservoir,
survive to maturity and breed with wild stocks, the genetic diversity of wild '
stocks could be reduced. A successful Colorado squawfish sport fishery in
Kenney Reservoir may promote angler acceptance of the Colorado squawfish and
promote awareness of the status of this species. However, it may also lead to
increased fishing for the species elsewhere, necessitating increased law '
enforcement and educational efforts to protect wild fish.
Humpback chub.--There are no plans to stock this species in the Upper Basin at I
this time.
Bonvtail chub.--The Proposed Action specifies that bonytail chub will be '
stocked immediately because this species appears to be in imminent danger of
extinction in the Upper Basin. This action will benefit the fish by
increasing their numbers as a measure to prevent extinction and will allow
research to be conducted on the little-known ecological requirements of this ,
species.
Razorback sucker.--Streamside propagation and stocking of this species is
under investigation near Ouray, Utah, using wild adults from the Green River
as broodstock. Measures will be needed to protect the resultant young from
predation, because Lower Basin studies have shown that young razorback suckers
are vulnerable to predation. It is assumed that releasing fishes of larger '
size will reduce losses from predation. Stocked razorback suckers will aid
recovery prospects for the razorback sucker, and provide needed information
about this species. No impact on the environment is anticipated with this I
effort.
Nonnative Fish Species and Sportfishin4
Protection and management of rare fish may require control of nonnative
species which prey on or compete with them. Such control measures will be
evaluated by research. Potential control measures to favor rare fishes over
competing or predatory nonnatives could include water management, limited
poisoning, electrofishing to capture and remove nonnative fish, seining or
trapping of nonnative fish, limitations on stocking nonnative fish, and
regulation of sportfishing. There may be incidental mortality to the rare
fish as a result of some of these control measures.
The Colorado squawfish and humpback chub are vulnerable to capture by
sportfishing, a source of direct mortality or delayed mortality caused by
angling stress. The predaceous Colorado squawfish appears to be especially
vulnerable to capture by angling. In some years, as many as 10 percent of the
Colorado squawfish in the Green River that were marked for various studies
were reported caught by anglers. An information and education program that
includes identification and proper handling of rare fishes could reduce
mortality from sportfishing. If necessary, States could reduce sportfishing
mortality by enacting regulations that restrict fishing in areas where rare
fishes concentrate or where losses due to angling are significant.
IV-B-3