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approximately additive, particularly when the nutritional status the of the birds was compromised. <br />(Hoffinan et al. 1991). This finding suggests that the variable reports from the field. may be the <br />result of multiple stressors. <br />3.3 Discussion <br />Much research is needed to explain the apparent contradictions in the technical literature. In <br />particular, the mechanism by which selenium concentrates in adult fish tissues and then affects <br />reproduction is not well established. Moreover, the effects of other ions on this mechanism and <br />species-to-species sensitivity are poorly defined. Carefully controlled laboratory studies also are <br />needed to determine the effects of other stressors (other ions, temperature, etc.) on selenium <br />cycling and fish reproduction. <br />4. HABITAT, NONNATIVE FISH, AND LIFESTYLE <br />4.1 Habitat <br />Habitat change has contributed to the loss of the squawfish and razorback sucker. As listed by <br />McAda and Kaeding (1991), changes to the rivers include: <br />A significant decrease in the spring runoff has occurred. Peak discharges have decreased by <br />45% in the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers and by 20% in the Green River (Irving and <br />Burdick 1995). The duration of flooding has also been reduced, all by transmountain <br />diversions and reservoir storage. A related problem is that zooplankton, the primary food of <br />razorback suckers, do not produce well in turbid rivers. The backwaters are more productive. <br />Although the overall mass of sediment conducted by the rivers is now less, the rivers remain <br />turbid at the same time the lower flow limits the number of backwaters that were formerly <br />available. These facts suggest that starvation may sometimes be a problem for the <br />pikeminnow and razorback suckers (Irving and Burdick 1995). Finally, spawning locations <br />have become silted over and are rarely washed free because the peak flows are insufficient to <br />move the sediment. <br />• Channels that formerly were braided have been lost. The decrease in habitat and habitat <br />complexity has eliminated many locations favored by the endangered species. <br />Because water is taken from the bottom of the reservoirs, lower temperatures at the spawning <br />sites have been noted. The lower temperatures eliminate habitat because the fish need certain <br />temperatures as spawning cues and for their most efficient metabolism. Moreover, there are <br />indications that lower temperatures keep the young-of-the-year (YOY) too small. The fish <br />are not able to grow adequately, rendering them more vulnerable to predation and other <br />problems, such as disease and parasites (Kaeding and Osmundson 1988). The lower <br />temperature has also eliminated habitat. For example, approximately 40 miles of additional <br />habitat could be obtained if the Aspinall unit discharged slightly warmer water into the <br />Gunnison. Similarly, 14 miles of additional habitat could be obtained in the Colorado River <br />if a diversion structure, such as the one now in place at the Redlands Dam, were constructed. <br />The habitat is suitable as far as DeBeque, Colorado, but this reach of river is inaccessible to