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3.1.4. Provide financial support to hatcheries for structural <br />modifications, operation, and maintenance needed for a pallid <br />sturgeon propagation program. <br />Prior to long -term holding of pallid sturgeon broodstock and <br />implementation of a long -term propagation program, structural <br />improvements are needed at Blind Pony State Hatchery, Gavins <br />Point National Fish Hatchery, and potentially at other <br />hatcheries that participate in the program. Costs for <br />operation and maintenance, including feed, also should be <br />supported. <br />3.2. Research methods to improve spawning, culturing, and rearing of <br />pallid sturgeon in hatcheries. <br />3.2.1. Determine protocol for collecting, handling, and transporting <br />pallid sturgeon. <br />Standardized protocols, designed to give pallid sturgeon the <br />greatest protection possible, are needed for all activities <br />associated with collecting, handling, and transporting of <br />pallid sturgeon, including research activities recommended in <br />this plan. Proper handling protocols must be distributed to <br />all agencies and individuals potentially handling pallid <br />sturgeon. <br />Interim protocols have been developed by the Recovery Team; <br />however, as new information becomes available through continued <br />efforts, recommendations will be assessed, refined, and <br />incorporated in collecting, handling, and transporting <br />activities as necessary to minimize mortality. The "Hatchery <br />Manual for White Sturgeon" by Conte et al. (1988) will be <br />incorporated into the protocols when appropriate. <br />3.2.2. Determine efficient, effective spawning techniques in the <br />hatchery and in the field. <br />Caesarean (C- section) techniques have been lethal on all <br />shovelnose sturgeon females spawned. Handstripping is <br />effective, but extremely inefficient. Improved techniques for <br />C- section must be determined and may include pretreatment and <br />posttreatments for disease and /or stress. All methods should <br />be tested first on shovelnose sturgeon. <br />3.2.3. Conduct trials to maximize survival of broodstock and progeny. <br />Pallid sturgeon progeny first were raised in a hatchery in <br />1992. Adults have only been held for a little longer than <br />1 year. Rearing trials are necessary to determine the <br />appropriate holding conditions (food, densities, water <br />temperatures, etc.) needed to maximize survival and growth of <br />38 <br />