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. ".:J1'\ 1;;:~ incorporated into the integrated research plan in FY-1992. Components of the integrated research plan were designed 'to test null hypotheses . relating to seasonal operation of Flaming Gorge Dam. The long term monitoring/research effort is embodied in the Systematic Data Collection and Research program (SDCR). The purpose of this program is to provide a consistent index of relative fish abundance and population structure over the five year study period against which impacts of different water years and seasonal flows on fish populations could be assessed. SDCR consists of four elements which directly assess effects of seasonal and yearly operation of Flaming Gorge Dam on reproduction and recruitment of endangered fish and in the system. The four elements include reproduction, survival of young fish to the fall season, overwinter survival of young fish, and the link between recruitment of young Colorado squawfish and recruitment to adult stocks. Hypotheses studies was the second component of the integrated research plan. Specific questions concerning mechanisms by which flows affected fish populations or how seasonal flows recommendations, particularly winter and spring, would affect selected aspects of fisheries would be answered by designing studies to answer specific test hypotheses. The habitat management component was added in 1992 for testing and refining specific management concepts particularly as they relate to flow management. A summary of the tasks (studies) which will be conducted under each element of the integrated study plan can be found in Attachment B. Detailed Scopes of Work for the individual studies proposed for Fiscal Year (FY) 1992 are provided in Attachment C. the purpose of and projects, VI. Task Descriotion: Eleven tasks (studies) proposed in the 1992 Scope of Work as part of the Flaming Gorge Flow Recommendation Investigations are listed below. Tasks one through five are part of the SDCR studies, tasks six through ten are hypotheses studies, while task 11 falls under the habitac management component. Detailed Scopes of Work for SDCR, hypothesis studies, and habitat management projects are given in Attachment C. SDCR Task 1. Annual assessment of Colorado squawfish reproduction and larval fish abundance in the lower Yampa River, Colorado. and the Green River near Green River, Utah. Task 2. Availability and quality of nursery habitat for Colorado squawfish in the Green River. Task 3_ An evaluation of Colorado squawfish recruitment Task 4. Overwinter survival 3