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<br />. <br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br />3.1.2 Radiotelemetry <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3.1.2.1 Radiotransmitters and Receivers <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Radiotelemetry was used to locate and follow movements of adul t Colorado <br />squawfish and razorback suckers. Twenty radiotransmitters (fish modules), were <br />provided by FWS during year 1; 10 manufactured by Smith-Root (P-40) and 10 <br />manufactured by AVM (SM-1). The Smith-Root and AVM transmitters were powered <br />by lithium and mercury batteries, respectively, each with a 12 to 14-month life <br />expectancy. For year 2, 20 Smith-Root (P-40) radiotransmitters were purchased <br />by BIOjWEST. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />All of the transmitters used in this investigation operated within the 40.660 <br />to 40.700 MHz range, with pulsed transmission rates of 40 to 80 pulses per <br />minute. All transmitters were tested for pulse and frequency upon receipt from <br />the factory, and each was dipped in melted beeswax prior to implantation. <br />Pulse and frequency were rechecked prior to and immediately following <br />implantation to insure that the transmitters were performing according to <br />factory specifications. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Smith-Root search (SR-40) and standard tracking (RF-40) receivers were provided <br />by FWS for use in this study. An Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) programable <br />scanning receiver was also provided by BOR. Larsen Kulrod NMO-40 whip <br />omnidirectional antennas and Smith-Root loop directional antennas were used <br />with the receiving units. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3.1.2.2 SUrgical Implant Procedures <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The radiotransmi tters were implanted surgically according to the techniques <br />described by Tyus (1982). Fish were anesthetized with tricaine methanosulfate <br />(MS-222) in a portable live well. A fish was determined to be sufficiently <br />anesthetized when, within 1-2 minutes, it could no longer maintain equilibrium <br />in the live well. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Surgery was performed by placing the fish on a measuring board or specially <br />designed cradle placed atop the live well. One person held the fish firmly in <br />position while another continuously bathed the gills with anesthetic water to a <br />point about midway through the surgery at which time fresh water was used to <br />minimize the effect of the anesthsia. A small incision (2.5 - 3.0 cm long) was <br />made anterior and slightly dorsal to the insertion of the left pelvic fin. The <br />transmitter was inserted toward the posterior end of the fish so it came to <br />rest on the pelvic girdle within the parietal cavity. The incision was closed <br />with four to eight sutures using 3-0 Ethilon™ black monofilament nylon with <br />FS-l cutting needle. Each fish was then observed in a live well or recovery <br />pen in the river for a period of up to 1 hour, until it was actively swimming <br />and was then released. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />All adult Colorado squawfish and razorback suckers were weighed, measured, and <br />equipped with a uniquely-numbered orange Carlin tag attached to the base of the <br />dorsal fin. previously tagged fish were recorded as recaptures and the tag <br />replaced only if the original attachment thread appeared frayed. Only squawfish <br />530 rom total length (TL) or larger were implanted with radiotransmitters, <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />. <br />