7890

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7890
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Region 6, Fish and Wildlife Service Guidelines Directing Captive Propagation Of Listed And Candidate Fish.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR THE PREPARATION
OF A
CONTROLLED PROPAGATION PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 5, 1996
The propagation, management, and introduction/augmentation of imperiled fish species has
become an increasingly more important function of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service). Virtually every region in the United States is involved with fish in these
categories. The Service is adopting a more deliberate process to guide its decisions to
initiate propagation programs .for. imperiled fishes... Fisheries has developed a draft policy
document entitled Policy For Controlled Propagation Activities Of Imperiled Fish Species
Within The National Fish Hatchery System which identifies criteria that would need to be met
before developing or implementing propagation programs. The goal of this policy is to
facilitate effective and efficient use of propagation programs as restoration and recovery tools
to maintain or restore imperiled fish populations through refugia or the introduction of
propagated fish into their native ecosystems. Controlled propagation programs for imperiled
fish species will meet the following criteria: 1) Conducted in a manner consistent with the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (As Amended) (ESA), the National Environmental Policy
• Act (NEPA), and all other statutes, treaties, and compacts applicable to the Service, 2) Used
as a restoration or recovery tool only when identified within the approved management plans,
3) Implemented only after risk assessments have been conducted, 4) Based on sound genetic
principles, 5) Conducted in a manner that produces fish populations whose genetics,
behavior, physiology, and health (disease) are suitable for release in the target environment,
and 6) Introduction and monitoring programs are reviewed annually.
GOAI
The short-term goal is to prevent extinction of the species in the wild. Initially, this goal
may be possible only through propagation. The long-term goal is to recover and restore the
species within its native habitats. This goal is only possible through restoration of destroyed
or altered habitats.
PROPAGATION
The objective of the propagation section (and associated genetics planning) is to identify and
document culture and breeding methods that can be used while propagating species in a
hatchery environment. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide guidance that can be used
during the preparation of this section, which needs to include information on broodstock
® development, spawning, genetics, fish production, capture location and handling, fishery
management, research suggestions, information and education, and coordination activities