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it is declining, stable, or improving, and indicate what activities would improve the status of <br />the population. A baseline genetic analysis will assist in understanding the status. Other <br />information used for status determinations are life history data, vital population statistics and <br />demographic trends, habitat conditions (i.e. carrying capacity of the system), and threats to <br />the species. After the introduction, the success of the program will be evaluated and <br />recommendations for further recovery efforts may be formulated. Regular monitoring will <br />determine if the program is contributing to the establishment of a self-sustaining population. <br />Another very important segment of this entire effort is preparation or restoration of the <br />individual stocking sites, if suitable habitat is not available for reintroduction. <br />Fish marking is an essential aspect of this effort, particularly if fish are to be differentiated <br />from naturally produced fish. A monitoring schedule in the plan should identify those <br />individuals and agencies responsible. for .monitoring.. Monitoring should commence <br />immediately after stocking to determine post-stocking mortality and dispersal. The <br />monitoring and evaluation .-effort should include life history studies of the introduced fish. A <br />basin-wide standardized monitoring or survey program should be initiated. Results should be <br />reported in a timely and systematic fashion accompanied with management recommendations( <br />See Monitoring Guidelines). <br />A risk assessment must be conducted on the introduction program associated with the loss of <br />genetic variation and ecological threats. Genetic risks are classified and evaluated based on <br />the potential for interbreeding and hybridization. Ecological threats are usually associated <br />IS with 1) trophic alterations, 2) spatial alterations, 3) altered growth and survival <br />characteristics, 4) displacement, replacement, or extinction, and 5) disease and parasite <br />transmission resulting in epizootic infestation. Disease-free certification is required for all <br />introduction programs. <br />Specific information should be provided on the source of all fish used as broodstock. It <br />should be stated whether they are wild or hatchery fish, source of the broodstock, how long <br />have they been at the hatchery, eggs collected from wild fish, etc. The Region 6 Genetic <br />Management Guidelines can be used for this segment of the implementation program. All <br />information must be summarized and distributed to all entities so proper propagation and <br />management decisions can be made for the benefit of the resource and the other native fish <br />existing within the aquatic community. <br />DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS ARTIFICIALLY PROPAGATED FISH <br />Captive propagation can be a major element in restoration and recovery programs for <br />imperiled fish species must support accomplishment of recovery/restoration goals. Fish <br />production numbers are defined by 1) propagation goals and objectives, 2) propagation <br />techniques, 3) fish fecundity, 4) fish mortality, 5) uncertainty of production at various <br />operational steps, and 6) available facilities. It follows, therefore, that fish in excess <br />(surplus) of program needs and goals may be incidentally produced. When resources are <br />limited, caring for surplus fish affects the care required to ensure the health and well-being <br />• of high priority fish produced specifically for essential recovery activities. Because of the <br />species involved, disposition of these surplus fish becomes a focus of concern and necessity.