Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility

Authors: Weissenfluh, Darrick, Feuerbacher, Olin, Simons, Lee, Chaudoin, Ambre, Barlics, Robert II, Linares-Casenave, Javier

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

In 2014, work at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF) has focused on establishing a captive population of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis; strengthening partnerships; and operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting systems associated with maintaining environmental conditions in the 100,000 gallon refuge tank (RT). Devils Hole pupfish (DHP) eggs as well as Devils Hole (DH) invertebrates were recovered from Devils Hole (DH) and brought to the AMFCF from November 2013 to January 2014. A total of 39 viable DHP eggs were recovered, 33 (85%) survived to hatching, and 29 (74%) reached sexual maturity. Mature fish were introduced into the RT in June 2014. Prior to fish introductions, the RT was repeatedly inoculated with invertebrates recovered from DH (2nd and 3rd generation). Plans are being implemented to monitor multiple environmental and ecological parameters in the RT, as well as adult and early life history stages of DHP. All of the original 29 adult pupfish remain alive as of September 2014, and several larval fish in the range of 4 to12 mm length have been observed. Water quality in the RT deep pool is nearly constant at 30 ⁰C, 50-75% dissolved oxygen saturation, and 7.5 pH. Water quality over the RT’s shallow shelf varies daily and seasonally depending on direct sunlight, which is regulated to mimic DH conditions. Water depth over the RT’s shallow shelf is set to mimic historical water levels at DH. Research using environmental-DNA is underway to monitor successional changes in the RT and to compare to conditions at DH and other springs in the Amargosa Valley. Biologists with the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Park Service, and Nevada Department of Wildlife are working with academics in the US and Mexico to further DHP conservation. Scientists at the USFWS Abernathy Fish Technology Center, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis are using next generation sequence technology to develop a genotyping tool to monitor and manage DHP populations. Efforts to establish and maintain a second captive DHP population in aquaria will continue in collaboration with government and university scientists in Mexico and the USA.