DESERT FISHES RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT IN TEXAS DURING 2010

Authors: Gary P. Garrett, Robert J. Edwards, Nathan L. Allan

Year: 2010 (xlii)

Abstract

A new, 2nd ciénega has been completed at Balmorhea State Park to replace an old refuge canal for Comanche Springs pupfish, Cyprinodon elegans, Pecos gambusia, Gambusia pecosensis, and endemic invertebrates. The new ciénega will provide a more stable habitat for the aquatic species community and will be named in honor of Clark Hubbs. An intense monitoring study of the system is underway that includes analyzing energy dynamics. Almost 1.5 million Rio Grande silvery minnows, Hybognathus amarus, have been released into the Big Bend region of the Rio Grande during the last three years. Monitoring efforts have yielded adults, eggs, larvae and juveniles. Additionally, stocked adults have been collected approximately 80 kilometers downstream from stocking site as well as 4 kilometers up a small tributary creek. Watershed-level conservation efforts are underway in the Big Bend region. These include restoration on private lands in the drainages of Alamito and Terlingua creeks as well as numerous projects being formulated through the Big Bend Bi-national Conservation Cooperative, the Desert Landscape Conservation Cooperative and the Desert Fish Habitat Partnership.