Agency Report - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico

KEYWORDS:

ABSTRACT

Efforts to conserve the native fish fauna of the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico must continue if these species are to survive through time. During the reporting period one species was proposed for listing with designation of critical habitat proposed also. Designation of critical habitat is being proposed for two species listed previously. Recovery plans were approved for two species. The number of Freedom of Information Act Requests and scope of information requested has increase substantially as has the number of Section 7 consultation actions. These activities led to a very busy year.

A very busy year since we last met. Activities are grouped under three categories. They follow:

1. Prelisting/listing

A package proposing to list the Rio Grande minnow (Hybognathus amarus) as endangered with critical habitat has been completed. Publication of the proposed rule will occur during fiscal year 1993.

Proposed critical habitat for the spikedace (Meda fulgida) and loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis). Due to concerns over the amount of time that has elapsed since the 1986 original proposal to designate critical habitat for these two species, the Service has decided to repropose the designation of critical habitat. A new economic analysis has been prepared. Publication of the proposal is scheduled to appear in the Federal Register during fiscal year 1993.

Proposed upgrading status of spikedace and loach minnow from threatened to endangered. Threats to these two species have increased dramatically thus the need for greater protection.

A proposed rule to list the Pecos pupfish (Cyprinodon pecosensis) as an endangered species with critical habitat has been prepared. This action is scheduled to be completed during Fiscal Year 1993.

2. Recovery

a) Plans

Recovery plans have been completed for the Pecos bluntnose shiner (Notropis simus pecosensis) and Sonora chub (Gila ditaenia). Both plans were approved September 30, 1992.

The recovery plan for the Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) has been revised. Approval of the revised plan is anticipated during fiscal 1993.

Draft recovery plans have been completed for the beautiful shiner (Cyprinella formosa), desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius), Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei), Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) and Yaqui topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis). Approved plans are anticipated for all five species by September 30, 1993.

On January 23, 1992, Region 2 issued a Guidance and Procedures Memorandum designed to ensure approved recovery plan are prepared for all 107 federally listed species for which Region 2 has lead. All plans are to be completed prior to September 30, 1994.

b) Actions.

Construction of a refugium at Phantom Lake Spring, Texas, is underway. The Bureau of Reclamation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are primarily responsible for the construction of this facility. Both the Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) and Pecos gambusia (Gambusia nobilis) will be provided additional habitat.

A 5-year study is underway on the Pecos River. The purpose of this study is to gather information on a variety of flow releases from mainstem reservoirs and how different flows impact the Pecos bluntnose shiner and its habitat.

A 7-year research study is being finalized for the San Juan River. Sampling efforts during 1992 took 4 (one a recapture) adult Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius). Young- of- the- year squawfish were not captured in New Mexico during 1992. Telemetry studies on tagged adult squawfish continue in the San Juan.

Some 450 3- to 7-inch Chihuahua chubs (Gila nigrescens) were reared at Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center (NFH&TC) for stocking into McKnight Creek. These fish were stocked during October 1992.

During October 1992, approximately 1,650 South Diamond "strain" Gila trout fingerlings (3") were provided by the Mescalero National Fish Hatchery for reintroduction to historic habitats in the upper Gila River. South Diamond and Mogollon Creek were the receiving streams

RESUMEN

RECEIVED TOO LATE TO BE TRANSLATED

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