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<br /> <br />13 <br /> <br />WATER YEAR 1992 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS <br /> <br />At several locations in both Upper and Lower Basins, minimum instream flows <br /> <br /> <br />have been established in order to preserve the present aquatic resources <br /> <br /> <br />downstream of certain Colorado River dams. In many cases, these resources were <br /> <br /> <br />poor or nonexistent prior to the time of dam construction, and the subsequent <br /> <br /> <br />controlled, cool water releases have provided an improved environment for aquatic <br /> <br /> <br />resources and sport fisheries. However these releases are believed to be <br />detrimental to endangered endemic species of fISh. In 1992 studies on the <br />Gunnison and San Juan Rivers will be initiated in order to better understand the <br />water needs of the endangered endemic species of fish in the basin. In general, <br />controlled releases allow for an extended recreation season, reduce the high flow <br />periods, and improve sport fisheries, but may be detrimental to endemic species of <br />fish. <br /> <br />The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with <br /> <br />respect to compact, decree, statutory, and water delivery obligations, as well as <br /> <br />instream flow needs for present aquatic ecology where appropriate. <br />