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2. Genetic Management Plans. Genetics Management Plans will provide <br />procedures for development and approval of specific reintroduction or <br />augmentation plans to ensure that genetic diversity of wild fish will <br />not be compromised. The Plan will: (1) identify and classify listed <br />and candidate fish species and location; (2) provide rationale on <br />status and trend for decisions related to genetics management; and <br />(3) establish priorities for intervention or action. <br />3. Reintroduction Plans. Reintroduction plans, in concert with the <br />Genetics Management Plan and Recovery Plan, provide the justification <br />and rationale for specific actions regarding the stocking of captive- <br />reared fish species. The plan will provide details such as species, <br />size of fish, timing of release, location of release, genetic risks, <br />monitoring, and evaluation. Plans will be prepared for all <br />experimental, augmentation, and restoration stocking and must be <br />approved by the Regional Director before captive rearing:-proceeds. <br />These plans must also be cleared by the Service for issuance of an <br />Endangered Species permit by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a <br />section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act to ensure <br />that these actions will not jeopardize listed species. <br />D. Genetics Conservation Principles and Assumptions. The following genetics <br />conservation principles and assumptions must be considered to maintain <br />the genetic diversity of fish stocks: <br />o Since genetic variation is the raw material upon which natural • <br />selection acts, conservation of genetic diversity is fundamental to <br />both short-term ecological adaptation and long-term evolutionary <br />potential of a species . <br />o Genetic diversity in fish stocks allows for adaptability to various <br />environmental conditions. <br />o Management activities have the potential to affect the genetic <br />diversity of various fish stocks. Accordingly, all proposed <br />management activities will be evaluated for potential genetic risks, <br />especially if the risks include genetic losses that may become <br />irreversible. <br />o Loss of genetic diversity can be minimized through systematic <br />planning and timely implementation. <br />o Adaptive management (Boyce 1993; Ludwig et al. 1993; Walters and <br />Hillborn 1978) should be employed in restoration and recovery efforts <br />dealing with listed and candidate fishes. All restoration and <br />recovery actions should be periodically evaluated and adjusted for <br />the desired response. <br />4 0