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c) l"":.'l C.,;! ..,'\ -.:! OJ The objectives of this study support the overall objectives of the original study. These include: 1. Determine habitat use, possible spawning areas, survival, and growth rates for hatchery-reared razorback sucker in the wild. Determine if hatchery-reared razorback sucker can lead researchers to wild fish. 2. Determine feasibility of using hatchery-reared razorback sucker to augment wild populations or repopulate historic habitat. Additionally, this stocking will provide information on winter habitat use by razorback sucker in response to releases of water to the San Juan River from Navajo Dam. Specifically, the four-month, 250-CFS low flow test period from November 1, 1995 to February 2B, 1996. 3. VII. Explanation of effects of the action: It is anticipated that the proposed action, utilizing F1 progeny of captive razorback sucker for experimental reintroduction into historic habitat, will have minimal, if even discernible, effects on naturally occurring razorback sucker within the San Juan River. The low number of fish to be stocked in the river and the iength of the river available for dispersal of both those and naturally occurring fish, weigh against the possibility of competition or overcrowding. Should the experimental fish find natural populations, their presence will enable researchers to obtain critically needed information concerning the species. its habitat use and distribution, and, most importantly, the feasibility of utilizing hatchery-reared individuals in the recovery of the razorback sucker. There is expected to be no effect on the Colorado squawfish populations in the San Juan River. The proposed action, as described herein, will result in overall beneficial, discountable, or insignificant effects upon listed species and/or their proposed critical habitats within the San Juan River. This office has determined that this action is not likely to adversely affect any listed species or critical habitats and, therefore, is in compliance with section 7(a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.