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Reproduction of pallid sturgeon has not been documented in more than a decade. <br />As a part of the relicensing process, and responsibilities related to endangered <br />species, the Corps of Engineers funded the Montana and South Dakota Units to <br />conduct research on food availability and selection of shovelnose sturgeon <br />(surrogate) as affected, by flow modification. We hypothesized that food selection <br />of small pallid sturgeon would be similar to shovelnose sturgeon. Research of this <br />type had not been conducted in large rivers with similar channel structure to the <br />Missouri River in Montana, thus development of sampling gear and protocol was <br />particularly challenging. <br />Since artificial propagation may be required as part of the restoration effort for <br />pallid sturgeon, the ability to identify specimens in the wild that will be sexually <br />mature that year is needed. ' "Since we were collecting shovelnose sturgeon <br />monthly in the food selection study, White initiated a study with Dr. Dave Erdahl, <br />reproductive physiologist at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center and an MS <br />student to determine the relationship between blood plasma vetellogenin <br />concentrations and ovogenesis. Additional blood and tissue samples are being <br />collected for the FWS for contaminant analysis. <br />Sicklefin and Sturgeon Chub In June 1994 sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub <br />were petitioned for listing as endangered. In July 1994, in cooperation with <br />MTFWP, we began a study on distribution and habitat use of these species in_a <br />150 km reach of the Missouri River above .Fort Peck - Reservoir. Development of <br />successful trawling techniques resulted in documenting much larger abundance <br />than previously though and an extension of the range. High velocity, deep -water <br />habitats had apparently not been previously sampled. These data will be useful <br />the FWS in their listing deliberations. <br />Species of Special Concern <br />Two ongoing studies focus on species of special concern (State classification). <br />The Arctic grayling population in Red Rock Lakes NWR, the only indigenous <br />lacustrine population in the lower 48 states, has declined to very low levels. -White <br />and an MS student are conducting a study to identify factors contributing to the <br />decline. Results will be used to recommend remedial actions. <br />32 <br />