Annual highlights from the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility
Authors: Darrick S. Weissenfluh, Olin G. Feuerbacher, Javier Linares-Casenave, Lee H. Simons, Kevin P. Wilson, Brandon L. Senger, John Wullschleger, Jon C. Sjoberg
Year: 2013 (xlv)
Abstract
The primary objective of the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF) is to aid in the conservation of imperiled aquatic species, especially the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis. Only 35 adult C. diabolis were observed in the most recent count conducted in spring 2013 (April). Since construction of the AMFCF was completed in June 2013, Facility staff has focused on C. diabolis recovery efforts, including attempts in August 2013 to collect pupfish eggs from Devils Hole to propagate at the AMFCF. Only a single egg was collected which did not develop. Facility staff has completed testing of the 100,000 gallon refuge tank and multiple aquarium systems in the propagation room. The water re-circulation system for the refuge tank can deliver water parameters important to the physiology of aquatic organisms across a wide range; DO 20-100% saturation, pH 7-8.5, and water temperature 25.5-33.5oC. Within this range, target set-points can be maintained with very tight tolerances. Natural substrate has been added to the shallow shelf in the refuge tank and, since April 2013, water level has been maintained at depths above the shallow shelf similar to historical water levels in Devils Hole. DHP recovery efforts at the AMFCF have focused on establishing Devils Hole micro/macro invertebrate and algae cultures and testing system conditions with hybrid C. n. mionectes x C. diabolis to ensure system suitability for rearing all life stages of pupfish. Micro/macro invertebrates are now established (completed more than one life cycle) in both the propagation room aquaria and the refuge tank, and protocols are in place to track population dynamics. Additionally, four aquaria re-circulation systems totaling 800 gallons have been setup in the propagation room. Two systems are dedicated to maintaining a hybrid C. n. mionectes x C. diabolis population of 300 fish. Finally, two additional aquarium re-circulation systems have been prepared and are ready to experiment with propagating all life stages of Devils Hole pupfish. Given the wild population’s precarious status, a key issue is how best to establish a captive population while avoiding or minimizing harm to the wild population.