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<br />( <br /> <br /><::) <br />o <br /><":l <br />i"'~ <br />......1 <br />(X) <br /> <br />Research Need: <br /> <br />Methods: <br /> <br />( <br /> <br />L <br /> <br />Characterize changes in water quality that result <br />from changes in flow from Navajo Dam. <br /> <br />Determine if changes in angler use and catch rates <br />occur as a result of the reoperation of Navajo Dam. <br /> <br />Changes in release patterns from reservoirs have <br />been known to affect the habitat and water quality <br />and thus fisheries of reservoir tailwaters. <br />Because of the high public interest and concern, <br />the trout fishery associated with the Navajo Dam <br />tailwater requires research attention to evaluate <br />its response to different flow regimes proposed <br />under the reoperation of Navajo Dam. <br /> <br />Research into six differetit aspects of the <br />tailwater fishery below Navajo Dam are proposed. <br />Three studies encompassing trout populations, water <br />quality and angler use and catch would be <br />implemented by the NMGF. Studies quantifying trout <br />habitat, reproduction, and macroinvertebrate <br />responses to the reoperation of Navajo Dam would be <br />contracted out. <br /> <br />Trout population studies conducted by NMGF would <br />involve mark and recapture estimates of trout <br />populations and analyses of fish movements using <br />PIT tagged and radio tagged fish and collection of <br />scale samples to assess growth rates of trout. <br />Information from the recapture of PIT tagged fish <br />will be used to help verify growth, survival and <br />movement assessments of trout populations. <br /> <br />Two sampling effort will be made in 1992. Fish <br />will be collected utilizing electrofishing just <br />prior to experimental releases in the spring and <br />again during low stable summer flows. <br /> <br />The trout population study is currently planned to <br />extend through the remaining six years of the <br />research period. Data obtained at different flows <br />and observed changes in the fishery will provide <br />information necessary to determine if recommended <br />flows are suitable for trout populations. <br /> <br />Water quality and angler use and catch surveys <br />would also be conducted in conjunction with the <br />trout population studies. Monthly water samples <br />and samples during changing flows would be taken in <br />the tailwater reach below Navajo Dam to determine <br />if any water quality problems occur in the reach as <br />result of the reoperation of Navajo Dam. Water <br /> <br />16 <br />