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<br />002778 <br /> <br />4. Develop a two-part, comprehensive, basin-wide genetic resource management plan that <br />encompasses both wild populations and hatchery stocks to ensure maintenance of genetic diversity. <br /> <br />5. Re-examine previous site/facility capability studies and evaluate existing and new sites/facilities <br />based upon required long-term production needs, water quality, temperature, adaptability to new <br />technology, and overall costs. <br /> <br />6. As part of the genetic resource management plan, develop a plan for holding each endangered fish <br />in at least two refugia. <br /> <br />The purpose of the genetics management plan is to identifY and characterize endangered fish stocks <br />in the Upper Basin, determine status and trends, and establish priorities for effective and rational <br />genetics management by species and stocks within specific river reaches (Williamson et at 1994). <br />Starting in 1990, major genetics studies were designed, funded, and implemented for the razorback <br />sucker and the Qi!a complex which includes bonytail chub and humpback chub (U.S. Fish and Wildlife <br />Service 1990c). Non-lethal genetic sampling techniques and marking/tagging technology were <br />developed to ensure appropriate maintenance and breeding of captive fish and to eliminate mortality <br />in the fish that were tissue sampled as part of the genetic study (U.S. Fish and Wildlife SeIVice <br />1991 b). The genetic studies (discussed in Section 4.1 and 4.3) are due for completion in 1997. <br /> <br />3.1.1 Genetics Management Guidelines <br /> <br />In developing the genetics management plan, more specific guidelines regarding the management of <br />genetics related activities were necessary. The development of "Genetic Management Guidelines" <br />began in 1993 to provide a conceptual framework for genetics management and rationale for <br />maintaining the genetic diversity of wild endangered fish stocks in the Upper Colorado River Basin. <br />The participation of a small group of noted genetic conseIVation specialists, designated as the <br />Genetics Panel, was obtained to provide peer review and advice to the Recovery Program regarding <br />genetic conseIVation of the four endangered fish species. The principal responsibilities of the Panel <br />were to assist in development of the Genetic Management Guidelines and a long-range genetic <br />management plan, evaluate results of genetic studies on all four species, evaluate genetic risks <br />associated with management activities, make management recommendations, and provide general <br />oversight to the Recovery Program on genetics management issues. <br /> <br />The Genetics Management Guidelines were completed in May, 1994. In addition to providing the <br />conceptual framework of genetics management and rationale that would be employed to maintain <br />genetic diversity, the Guidelines provided procedures for development of brood stocks and approval <br />of specific stocking plans to ensure that genetic diversity of wild endangered fish stocks would not <br />be compromised (Williamson et at 1994). <br /> <br />3.2 Broodstock Development <br /> <br />Broodstock development represents one of the primary elements of the propagation of the <br />endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. This section outlines the presumptive stocks <br />used in identification of each separate brood stock, the broodstock breeding strategies discussed in <br /> <br />10 <br />