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Two of the five Recovery Priorities listed in the RBS Recovery Plan (U. S. Fish & <br />Wildlife Service 1998) contain captive propagation elements. These essential components <br />provide guidance in achieving the goals for recovery of the species. <br />Priority 1). Prevent extinction of major extant RBS populations and permanent loss of genetic <br />diversity of existing populations. Specific tasks to be addressed through captive propagation <br />include: <br />1.1 Protect fish in refugia and maintain genetic diversity. <br />1.4 Augment wild populations. <br />1.5 Monitor populations and habitat status. <br />1.1 Protect fish in refugia and maintain genetic diversity. This element calls for the <br />maintenance of adequate refugia, collection of RBS for refugia, and management of the genetic <br />composition of the fish held in refugia. Razorback sucker captive refugia currently exist at the <br />Dexter NFHTC, New Mexico; Willow Beach NFH, Arizona; Ouray NFH, Utah; Grand Valley <br />Endangered Fish Facility, Colorado; Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility, <br />Colorado; and Wahweap SFH, Utah. <br />1.4 Augment wild populations. This element calls for the collection and rearing of wild <br />larvae and reintroduction of juvenile or adult fish large enough to avoid predation. Strategies to <br />address this element have been incorporated into production programs and augmentation plans. <br />As discussed previously, Dexter NFHTC has been an active participant in this endeavor since <br />1994. <br />1.5 Monitor populations and habitat status. This element calls for the monitoring of <br />populations and habitat status to determine success and refinement of the captive propagation and <br />recovery program. Although this element is beyond the scope of the Dexter NFHTC, the Center <br />17