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<br />(~ <br />CJ <br />("" <br />t-> <br />c: <br />....:! <br /> <br />and temperature to maximize the quantity and quality of low velocity habitats <br />in certain river reaches during periods when they are most critical to the <br />fishes. These habitats can also be developed by connecting existing side <br />channels. gravel pits or ponds to the river or by providing depth, velocity, <br />and substrate characteristics found in natural habitat. <br /> <br />3.3.2 Soawninq habitat <br /> <br />Usable spawning areas are essential to the continued existence and the <br />recovery of the Colorado squawfish in the San Juan River. Management of <br />spawning habitat for the squawfish and razorback sucker could include: (al <br />improving access to potential or existing spawning areas in the river (e.g. by <br />developing fish passage structuresl: (bl reintroducing eggs or larvae into <br />unoccupied, but suitable. spawning habitat: (cl mOdifying in5tream channel <br />characteristics to create spawning habitat: or Cd) increasing spawning habitat <br />within the natural stream channel or in modified side channels. Modifications <br />could be accomplished either through mechanical means or through regulation of <br />streamfl ows. <br /> <br />3.3.3 Fish oassaqe <br /> <br />Colorado 5quawfish are known to migrate up to 200 miles to utilize habitat <br />essential to different life stages during different times of the year. <br />Diversion structures such as those on the San Juan River are impediments to <br />the passage of migrating Colorado squawfish along natural migration routes and <br />have contributed to the loss of historic habitat. Less is known about the <br />extent and range of the razorback sucker. <br /> <br />Fish passageways have been used successfully for certain species in other <br />river systems, for example, the northern squawfish uses facilities designed <br />for the migration of salmonids. It is not known if the Colorado squawfish <br />will use passageways, since none have been tested in the upper basin. <br />Successful passageways could provide a means for reestablishing 5quawfish in <br />parts of their former historic range. Interrelationships between the rare and <br /> <br />21 <br />