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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 001241 influences. Secondary channel sample sites will be at least 100 and not more than 200 m in length. Each mesohabitats (e.g., pool, rime, riffle-eddy, and shoal) within the site will be sampled in approximate proportion to its availability within the site; typically. at least five mesohabitat types will be sampled in each secondary channel with inflow. Mesohabitat of secondary channels lacking inflow is typically only pool. Each mesohabitat will be sampled separately with 3.2 x. L6 m (4 mm mesh) drag seines. Each secondary channel sampling effort will be a minimum of 5 seine hauls. The number of seine hauls, area (m') of seined portion of each mesohabitat, and types of mesohabitats sampled will be recorded on standard field forms. Specimens collected in each mesohabitat will be inspected to determine if any rare fishes (Colorado pikeminnow, roundtail chub, and razorback sucker) are present in the seine. If a rare fish is captured, it will be identified, total length (H.O mm) and mass ("'LOg) determined, and released. Any rare fish> 150 mm TL will be scanned to determine presence of a PIT tag. If none is present, the specimen will be implanted with a PIT tag having a unique alphanumeric code. All pertinent data (i.e., total and standard lengths, mass, PIT tag code, mesohabitat, water depth, substrate, and cover) on rare fish captured will be recorded. All large-bodied native fishes (i.e., flannelmouth and bluehead suckers) will be weighted, measured, and released. All other specimens will be preserved separately by mesohabitat in 10% formalin and returned to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Laboratory for identification, enumeration, and measurement (total length). Field collection number, habitat number, and river mile will be recorded on a water-proof label and placed in each specimen container. Location of site (UTM) will be determined with a GPS unit. Identification of all retained rare fishes will be confirmed by personnel of the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Preserved specimens will be accessioned to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Collection of Fishes or the University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology. Within each fifth-mile, shoreline habitats of the primary channel will be sampled. At each designated mile, all mesohabitats (e.g., riffle, debris pool, and shoal) along 200 m (near center of mile) of shoreline will be sampled. All mesohabitats present will be sampled in approximate proportion to their availability within the site. Regardless of the number of mesohabitats present at a primary channel site, at least 5 seine hauls will be made with a drag seine (3.2 x L6 m, 4mm mesh). The shoreline (river right or left) sampled will be dependent upon accessibility of the shoreline. Where more than one shoreline is accessible (and can be seined efficiently), that with greater diversity/complexity will be sampled. Alternatively, primary channel island shorelines may be sampled. In addition to shoreline mesohabitats, a near-shore riffle, near-shore run, and near-shore shoal (if present) will be sampled by enclosing on three sides about 30 m'. One 30 ft seine (1/4 in mesh) will be placed parallel to shore and held in place with tee posts. The shoreline will serve as parallel "fence" to staked seine, if feasible. If not, a second seine will be staked to provide parallel fence. A 20 ft bag seine (Y. in panel mesh and 1/8 in bag mesh) will be placed across downstream opening. A backpack shocker will be used to stun and drive fish into bag seine. One electrofishing pass will be made within each enclosure. Fish captured in each enclosure will be identified, enumerated, and measured (except nonnativeS:5 100 mm TL, which will be preserved). Location (UTM) will be determined with a GPS unit. Specimen and habitat data will be obtained and recorded as required for secondary channel sampling. All retained specimens from primary channel sampling will be preserved separately from the adjacent secondary channel collection. All retained specimens will be accessioned to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Collection of Fishes or the University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology. Backwaters and embayments (>25 m') not located within structured primary channel sampling sites, but within each designated mile, also will be sampled. During periods of low flow, secondary channel mouths frequently function as backwaters or embayments. In this monitoring 7