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specimens are sorted from extraneous material, identified to species or to the lowest taxonomic <br />category practicable, categorized to developmental stage, and enumerated. The number of each <br />taxon and developmental stage is being expressed per m3 of water volume filtered. All <br />specimens are retained as vouchers at the Nebraska State Museum. However, selected <br />individuals are sent to the larval fish laboratory at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, <br />Colorado to verify identifications. If sufficient numbers of sturgeon are noted in samples, <br />additional collections, using alternative sampling gear will be implemented. These specimens <br />could then be fixed in solution (70% ethanol) that would allow for DNA analysis to confirm <br />species level identification of sturgeon larvae. <br />ACCOMPLISHMENTS <br />In 2001, we collected 256 samples filtered from 25,919 m3 of water from the Platte River. <br />Of these, 216 samples were collected from 24 -hour sampling. Samples were collected from the <br />beginning of May through mid July using drift nets. In addition to the scheduled 24 -hour <br />sampling, an extra 24 -hour sample was instituted when favorable conditions for drift of sturgeon <br />larvae were present in the river. In an attempt to collect young of year sturgeon and chubs, we <br />sampled four sites weekly by seining, from mid July into August, using a 1/16" mesh seine. The <br />Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collected 180 samples from the Missouri River, above <br />and below the mouth of the Platte River. We currently have processed and identified fish from <br />127 of the samples that the Platte River crew collected, and have yet to begin processing the <br />Game and Parks samples. <br />Thus far for 2001, the most important item of interest is the collection of a <br />12 <br />