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I I I I I I I I I I I -I I I I I I I I 4-1 4.0 HATCHERY FACILITIES AND CAPABILITIES An evaluation of the potential hatchery sites for endangered fishes of the Colorado River was developed by Valentine (1983). That evaluation was based on the need percei ved by the FWS for hatchery-produced fi shes for various studies and for reintroductions to the wild. The estimated needs range from 182,000 fingerlings per year in 1983 to 500,000 fingerlings per year in 1990 to 1992. Most of the needs, up to 1990, are for such studies as fish passageways, suitability of artificial backwaters, bioassays, hybridization, and imprinting and homing. The estimate of 500,000 fingerlings per year is based on needs for continued studies and on anticipated releases to the wild for reintroduction in population supplementation. Valentine (l983) recommends, in his feasibility study, the desirability of a warm-water hatchery and research facil ity buil t specifically for the purpose of propagating and conserving the endangered Colorado River fishes, as outlined in a Conservation Plan Proposal (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1983). Approximately 50% of the facility is proposed for reintroduction and research of the Colorado squawfi sh, 25% for humpback chub, and 25% for bony tail. The total estimated cost by FWS (1983) for this facility is $1,721,000 for planning and design from 1983 to 1985; $6,849,000 for construction from 1986 to 1987; and $4,045,000 for operation and maintenance from 1988 to 1996. The total estimated cost to pl an, desi gn and construct a hatchery facility to meet the projected production needs of the FWS is $8,570,000, plus an additional $333,000 to $588,000 per year for operation and maintenance (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1983). In a more detailed cost assessment, Valentine (1983) estimated construction costs of $3,907,721 for major pond culture facilities; $2,932,103 for major raceway culture facilities; and $l,53l,200 for additional hatchery and field laboratory facilities, for a total estimated construction cost of $8,371,024. This is a hatchery with a capability of producing 500,000 3-inch fish (fingerling) per year. From these two documents, it appears that a warm water hatchery designed to produce sufficient numbers of endangered Colorado River fishes will cost between $8.3 and $8.6 mill ion to build, based on 1983 estimated costs, plus about $333,000 per year to mai ntai n and operate. These cost estimates were not critiqued as part of this review. The alternative to constructing such a hatchery is to utilize existing hatChery facilities. The following is an assessment of existing facilities and devel opment-potenti al hatchery sites capabl e of produci ng endangered Colorado River fishes. The 11 sites evaluated by Valentine (1983) are summarized in Table 5. Although there are 11 potential hatcheries or sites, Valentine (1983) presents a strong case for construction of a new hatchery because of problems or inadequacies in existing facilities. A short evaluation of each site is presented to highlight strengths and weaknesses. The location of each site is presented in Figure 2.