Welcome to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Balancing Resource Use and Conservation

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Fisheries Activities

      Research and Monitoring

Adult flannelmouth captured during annual surveys in Reach 3 - Photo by ReclamationAdult humpback chub on display with visible external tag - Photo by ReclamationAdult bonytail being stocked into the Imperial Ponds - Photo by Reclamation

Species Research

Many species of fish native to the Lower Colorado River have not been studied extensively. Because of this, some basic knowledge required for their conservation is being undertaken by LCR MSCP staff biologists. For instance, native species were always assumed to have a broad tolerance for water quality thresholds. Since 2009, laboratory tests have been conducted by LCR MSCP staff and partners to establish previously undocumented water quality thresholds on egg and larval razorback suckers.  With this research, the program staff was able to document the survival of larval razorbacks at salinities three times greater than previously known levels and similar results were found for pH tolerances. These established thresholds can be applied to the creation and management of native fish backwater habitats.

The research component is also vital to the success of the fish augmentation efforts.  The program continues to evaluate the successes of past and current stocking programs. The continuous contact of previously stocked fish through remote sensing, netting, and electro-fishing has provided insight into which stocking variables have the greatest impact on post stocking survival. Parameters such as stocking length, location, and season were often documented as impacting survival. As this program matures, the impacts of these parameters will continue to become clearer and the LCR MSCP fish augmentation program can adjust accordingly.

This link provides access to technical reports on LCR MSCP species.

These links provide more information on some individual species research activities:

Razorback Sucker Bonytail, Humpback Chub, and Flannelmouth Sucker
Rearing Studies Bonytail Rearing Studies
Post Stocking Survival in Lake Mohave Humpback Chub Support
Lake Mead Flannelmouth Studies Downstream of Davis Dam
Imperial Ponds Native Fish Research Imperial Ponds Native Fish Research
Genetic Diversity Assessment Determination of Bonytail Water Quality Needs
Determination of Razorback Water Quality Needs Post-Stocking Survival and Distribution of Bonytail in Reach 3
Survival of 500 mm Razorback Stocked in Reach 3 Genetic and Demographic Studies of Bonytail in Off-Channel Habitats
Genetic and Demographic Studies of Razorback in Off-Channel Habitats Role of Artificial Habitat in Bonytail Survival
Razorback Ecology and Habitat Use in Reach 3 Management of Fish Food Resources in Off-Channel Habitats
Physiological Response of Razorback to Transport Stress Physiological Response of Razorback to Transport Stress
Role of Artificial Habitat in Razorback Survival Genetic Management and Monitoring of Bonytail in Rearing Ponds
Movement and Habitat Use of Razorback Downstream of Parker Dam Movement and Habitat Use of Bonytail Downstream of Parker Dam
Characterization of Lake Mohave Backwater to Evaluate Factors Influencing Spawning Success Sonic Telemetry Studies of Juvenile Flannelmouth in Reach 3
Sonic Telemetry of Lake Mead Juvenile Razorback Suckers Development and Evaluation of Measures to Reduce Transport of Quagga Mussel During Fish Transfer and Stocking Activities
  Investigating Shoreline Habitat Cover for BONY
  Selenium Monitoring in Created Backwater and Marsh Habitat

System Monitoring

A key component in the development of management objectives centers on monitoring the existing populations of razorback sucker, bonytail, and flannelmouth sucker in the Lower Colorado River. Specific monitoring techniques have been adapted to conditions within the program area.  These not only include the fish, but also habitats.  Partner agencies are documenting fish locations at specific points in time along the entire Lower Colorado River.  The program staff compiles and maintains up-to-date records regarding habitat use, distribution, population status, and general fish health.  Monitoring includes a variety of survey techniques such as the netting and electro-fishing taking place at pre-determined intervals for fish population estimates from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, and other areas along the Lower Colorado River. Technological advances have allowed more diverse and non-invasive methods to track these species.

Among some of the more hands-off visual survey tools are aerial and underwater photography and video recordings to help monitor behavior.  Remote sensing is also a form of monitoring that is frequently used because of its efficiency and its ability to survey without repeatedly handling a fish. With this monitoring method, each fish is injected with a unique identifying tag. When a sensing unit is deployed in the water, it detects the fish as it swims near an antenna connected to an integrated scanner and data logger.

These links provide more information on the Razorback Sucker and Bonytail stock assessment project and the post development monitoring of fish restoration sites:

Updated October 16, 2012