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u02375 7. The Procedures should as specifically as possible identify those species and circumstances where: (a) stocking would be acceptable on a routine basis; (b) stocking would be unacceptable; and (c) stocking would be determined through a case-by-case evaluation process. With respect to 7{c), above: o Proposals to stock nonnative fishes will be founded on sound biological evaluations and contain sufficient information to allow for an objective and complete evaluation. o Reviews, recommendations, and decisions related to a stocking proposal will be based on biological considerations that will be specifically identified. o If an agency objects to a stocking proposal, that agency will make a concerted effort to identify reasonable alternatives. 8. Habitat and biological communities have been significantly altered in the Upper Basin. While it is difficult to fully assess and quantify, the loss of habitat and the effects of nonnative species are both responsible for the decline of the endangered Colorado River fishes. It is not possible to definitively identify the relative contribution that each of these factors had to the endangerment of the fishes. In many cases, the proliferation of nonnatives was made possible by habitat a1teration and the response to the expectation of and demand for fishing to fulfill project purposes for recreation. These factors should be considered in recovery efforts for the endangered Colorado River fishes. 9. Nonnative fish stocking is an important component of sport fisheries management and commercial aquaculture in the Upper Basin. The establishment and maintenance of sport fisheries and aquaculture activities that do not conflict with efforts to recover the endangered Colorado River fishes is an important objective of both the Service and the States. 10. The States have certain authorities for regulating/overseeing aquaculture activities. The States intend to incorporate these Procedures into their aquaculture permitting process. II. STOCKING OF NONNATIVE AQUATIC SPECIES ALREADY OCCURRING IN THE UPPER BASIN. A. Table 1 identifies existing nonnative fish species that are presently managed by stocking in the Upper Basin and the locations/situations where these fish can be stocked on a routine basis. Stocking in these location/situations is consistent with recovery of the endangered Colorado River fishes. Appendix A discusses the basis for concluding that stocking these species/ locations/situations is consistent with recovery of the endangered Colorado River fishes. 3