Annual Highlights from the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility

Authors: Corey* Lee, Olin Feuerbacher, Robert Barlics, Ambre Chaudoin, Luke Oliver, Lee Simons, Javier Linares-Casenave

Year: 2015 (xlvii)

Abstract

Work at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF) has focused on establishing a backup population of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis), operating, maintaining and troubleshooting systems associated with keeping environmental conditions in the 100,000 gallon refuge tank, and strengthening partnerships. Devils Hole pupfish eggs as well as Devils Hole invertebrates and algae were recovered from Devils Hole and brought to the AMFCF for rearing and culturing. Plans have been developed and are being implemented to monitor multiple Refuge Tank environmental and ecological parameters as well as adult and early life history stages of Devils Hole pupfish. Water depth in the Refuge Tank shallow shelf is maintained at similar historical water levels in Devils Hole. Research using environmental DNA is underway to monitor successional changes in the Refuge Tank and to compare conditions with those at Devils Hole and other springs in Amargosa Valley. The USFWS Abernathy Fish Technology Center and UC Davis are using next generation sequencing to develop a genotyping tool to monitor and manage Devils Hole pupfish populations. Efforts to establish and maintain a second Devils Hole pupfish population in aquaria will continue in collaboration with co-managing Agency scientists.