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<br />(~) <br />c-, <br />~_. <br /><.0 <br />(. :' <br />(J;; <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Regnlations limiting the introduction of nonnative baitfish or other nonnative stocking policies were not <br />developed during the 7-year research period, These policies are generally the responsibilities of the <br />affected states, although they were a milestone in the LRP, and they need to be completed. <br /> <br />DETERMINE THE OCCURRENCE, EXTENT, AND ROLE(S) OF <br />WATER QUALITY DEGRADATION AND CONTAMINANTS IN THE <br />DECLINE OF THE ENDANGERED FISH SPECIES AND IDENTIFY <br />AND IMPLEMENT CORRECTIVE ACTIONS <br /> <br />Water quality studies completed during the 7 -year research period showed that, overall, the water quality <br />of the San Juan River was good, but problems occurred in localized areas. No clear effects on fish <br />populations were shown, although it was possible that poor water quality or contaminants caused flair-ups <br />ofIesions on flanneImouth sucker during low-flow years, The SJRIP conducted contaminant studies of the <br />San Juan River, and laboratory studies of the effects of river contaminants on native fishes. These studies <br />showed that high concentrations of contaminants, primarily metals (copper and zinc), caused negative <br />effects to native fish larvae, but high concentrations were found in only a few localized areas, such as <br />irrigation return flow drains. The effect of dietary and water-borne selenium on Colorado pikeminnow <br />reproductive success was also studied, and the results showed that high selenium levels did not affect egg <br />hatching success or larval survival. Although contaminants and water quality degradation in the San Juan <br />River may have been a larger problem at some time in the past, the SJRIP studies indicated that neither was <br />ClUTently limiting the native fish community. <br /> <br />IMPLEMENT AN INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM TO <br />INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT ENDANGERED FISH <br />SPECIES AND THREATS TO THEIR HABITATS <br /> <br />The SJRIP did not develop an Information and Education program (I and E program), and often fell short <br />in public notices and information releases during the 7-year research period. In 1999, the SJRIP hired a <br />Program Coordinator whose primary responsibilities were to develop an I and E program, develop an I <br />and E website, and maintain better communication between the SJRIP and the public, The website came <br />online in 1999 4J,ttp:l/southwest.fWs,gov/sirip) and contains: SJRIP meeting minutes; press releases; <br />upcoming meeting agendas, times, and locations; and other information. The Flow Report was also <br />published online, and final research reports are also available on the website. In addition, brochures anddother public information are being prepared. The SJRIP recently committed to meeting this objective, and <br />improved public information and education should result. The Biology Committee met at least three times <br />per year during the 7 -year period and often met much more frequently while preparing documents such as <br />the LRP and Flow Report, <br /> <br />September 2000 <br /> <br />4-5 <br /> <br />Program Evaluation Report <br />