WSP06775

• File Number: 8240.300.12.E
• Description: San Juan River Recovery Program - Hydrology Committee
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 12/14/1998
• Title: San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program Monitoring Protocols
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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The principal sampling area for this study will be the San Juan River between RM 128 and
Mexican Hat (RM 53), Sampling will be aceomplished by launching a raft at approximately
weekly intervals from RM 128 beginning in mid to late April and terminating in mid tolate May.
At least one sampling foray will be conducted between Mexican Hat (RM 53) and the Clay Hills
boat landing (RM 2.9), just above Lake Powell in Utah. If Lake Powell Reservoir water levels ')
permit, that sampling foray will be extended to RM O. fish will be collected using larval seines
and light traps.

Sampling efforts for larval razorbaek sueker will be concentrated in low velocity habitats
with up to three such habitats per river mile being sampled, Location of sample sites will Ic~
recorded on aerial photographs or videography of the San Juan River (provided by the SJRIP). In
addition, sample locations will also be determined with GPS units. Habitat type, length, maximum
depth and substrate of the habitat will be recorded following the SJRIP designations. Larval fish
sampling in those habitats will be conducted with small mesh (1/16") seines and light-traps. The
number of seine hauls per sample site and surface area of habitat sampled will be determined.
Water quality parameters will be measured at each sampling location. These parameters are water
temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and salinity. Ambient temperature will also be
determined. In addition to measured parameters, notes on general conditions (e.g., weather and
water turbidity) \vill be recorded on eaeh field form. Speeimens will be preserved in the field in
10% buffered formalin for future laboratory processing. Catch per unit effort will be determined
as the number of fish per m2 for seine samples and the number of fish per hour for individuals
collected in light-traps.

All specimens captured under the above protocol will be processed and handled in the
same manner as those obtained in larval drift studies. The annual and five-year reports for
razorback larval fish monitoring will likewise be similar to that for larval fish drift monitoring.
Information obtained for each set will be recorded on standard field forms; completed forms will
be accessioned to the Museum of Southwestern Biology. Annual reports on the results of
razorback sucker larval fish survey will be prepared and submitted by 31 March of the year
following completion of the work. The report will provide summary statistics by sampling foray,
and will minimally include species and number of specimens per species trip, relevant catch rate
data, and water quality information. Original field notes will be retained in the Division offishes
and collection information will be electronically stored in a permanent MSB database program.
Electronic copies of the field and collection data will be transferred to the San Juan River
database manager by 31 March of the year following completion of the work. Five-year summary
reports that integrate and synthesize data from annual reports will be prepared. Appropriate
statistical procedures will be used to analyze data and assess differences in fish densities by
locality, sampling date, and sampling time.

YOUNG-OF-YEAR AND SMALL-BODIED FISHES

The young-of-year and small-bodied fishes monitoring reach (RM 180 to RM 3) includes
geomorphie reaches I through 6, with Reach 1 being the most downstream. Sampling will occur
every third mile (Designated Mile) within the study reach beginning with RMI80-l79. Secondary

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Draft Long Tenn Monitoring Plan - SJRlP Biology Comntince