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disruption by human interference". This goal would be impossible to achieve without long-term <br />research of the genetics of wild populations and hatchery stocks. While it is beyond the scope of <br />Dexter NFHTC to modify habitat, or alter the Colorado River environment to support naturally <br />recruiting populations of RBS, one of its objectives is to produce genetically diverse fish that <br />contain the maximum potential for successfully integrating into the current Colorado River <br />environment. <br />Immediate Management Actions Needed (RBS Recovery Goals 2002) <br />1. Reestablish populations with hatchery-produced fish. <br />2 Identify and maintain genetic variability of RBS in Lake Mohave. <br />These actions are specific to objectives contained within the plan. It is incumbent on <br />Dexter NFHTC and cooperators to identify the current genetic status of existing captive and wild <br />stocks of RBS, and develop an appropriate strategy to ensure the remaining genetic material in <br />RBS persists into perpetuity. This will fulfill the management need to identify and maintain the <br />genetic variability of RBS in Lake Mohave. The goal in management of the captive RBS stocks <br />is to provide a hatchery product that is genetically viable, and appropriate for introduction at <br />targeted stocking sites. <br />To achieve recovery of the species, self-sustaining populations should be established in <br />the upper and lower Colorado River basins by captive propagation and augmentation. Recovery <br />goals will be considered achieved when the decline of the three extant stocks of RBS in Lake <br />Mohave (AZ, NV), the lower Yampa River, (CO), and the middle Green River (UT), has been <br />reversed as indicated by increasing population sizes through natural recruitment (U.S. Fish & <br />Wildlife Service 2002). <br />16