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32 limiting factors for listed fishes. Further, they believed that a long-term commitment to operate the Navajo Dam to mimic the natural hydrograph under current levels of depletion was essential such that maximum flexibility be maintained into the future so operational scenarios could be better quantified and refined consistent with the research effort. Future depletions, if any, and/or an identified need for additional water would be based on results of ongoing research. The Biology Committee also believed that a long-term recovery implementation program should be developed and implemented for the San Juan River Basin. After much debate and discussion, the members of the Biology Committee agreed in principle that a reasonable and prudent alternative, fully implemented, would offset a net annual depletion of 57,100 acre-feet from the construction and operation of the Project. The conclusions reached by the Biology Committee are contained in Reclamation's March 4, 1991, letter (Appendix 0) to the Service and in written minutes which Reclamation prepared for each of the meetings and has on file. REASONABLE AND PRUDENT ALTERNATIVE The Service believes, based on the analysis of the hydrological and biological information, that implementation of all the following elements will avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existence of Colorado squawfish. Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have agreed that all of the elements of the reasonable and prudent alternative must be implemented to avoid the likelihood of jeopardy. 1. After reviewing current hydrological conditions and how Reclamation could operate the Navajo Dam to mimic the natural hydrograph, the Service determined that an initial depletion of 57,100 acre-feet for the Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado squawfish, assuming the implementation of all elements of the reasonable and prudent alternative. This depletion is that portion of the Project available from the construction of tha Ridges Basin Dam and Reservoir, Durango Pumping Plant, and inlet pipeline, as those features are defined in the 1979 Definite Plan Report. Therefore, only those Project facilities which result in a net annual depletion not to exceed 57,100 acre-feet will be constructed and operated pursuant to this biological opinion. 2. Reclamation has agreed to fund approximately 7 years of research effort on the San Juan River and its tributaries with emphasis on observing a biological response in the endangered fish population and habitat conditions. This research will be conducted by knowledgeable endangered species and habitat experts and will allow for testing of hypotheses. The ultimate goal of this research is to characterize those factors which limit native fish populations in the San Juan River and to provide management options to conserve and restore the endangered fish community. Approval for study design shall jointly rest with the Service and Reclamation.