New Mexico Department of Game and Fish: Gila River Basin Native Fish Conservation Program Grant

1) Nonnative fish pose conservation threats to native fishes, particularly loach minnow, spikedace, and headwater chub. Removal of nonnative species and evaluation of efficacy of removal efforts to improve native fishes status is proposed. Nonnative species would be removed by electrofishing, seine, trap, and entanglement nets. 2) Following disease assessment, spikedace of various age classes will be collected from the Gila River and stocked into the San Francisco River. Spikedace may also be collected simultaneously to augment propagation stocks. Stocking will occur annually at least 3, and possibly 5 years, to ensure survival of a sufficient number of individuals. 3) Use stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in cooperation with Kansas State University to characterize spatial and seasonal patterns of resource use by native and nonnative fishes at stream sites where a mechanical removal efficacy study is currently being conducted and at control sites. Results will be used to develop a community interaction model to predict how removing nonnative species, or particular size classes of nonnatives, will affect the native fish assemblage. 4) In conjunction with engineers and hydrologists from FWS, design a cienega wetland. Optimal design of the wetland will provide sufficient depth to allow for thermal refuge for the fishes and prevent aquatic vegetation from completely overtaking the area as well as some shallow areas for foraging and primary production. Additionally, salt cedar will be removed from the area before construction using mechanical and chemical methods. Planting of native vegetation will occur as needed.
5) Thoroughly sample Mule, Negrito, Pueblo, and Deep creeks to see if Gila chub is present and, if not present, assess each for suitability for restoration of Gila chub. If no Gila chub population is found in NM and suitable repatriation stream(s) is identified, reestablish Gila chub population(s) with fish from Harden Cienéga. 6) Restore native fishes to suitable aquatic habitats on private lands in the Gila-San Francisco River drainage. Following initial contact by private landowner regarding possible restoration of native fishes to habitats on their lands, visit the site to assess suitability, recommend appropriate species, collaborate with landowner to meet/satisfy appropriate federal and state regulations, coordinate acquisition of native fish from appropriate federal or state agency or from wild donor populations, and oversee stocking of native fish. Following initial stocking of native fish, regularly monitor (at least annually) restoration site to document status of fish and determine need for additional stockings. 7) In cooperation with USFS and FWS, sample Little Creek from its confluence with West Fork Gila River upstream to an existing Gila trout waterfall barrier to document species distribution and abundance. After the initial survey, 3 nonnative removal efforts will be made annually. Cessation of removal efforts will occur after 2 consecutive passes with capture of < 1 nonnative specimen/km. After first 2-consecutive passes without nonnative fish capture, loach minnow, headwater chub, and Gila trout will be stocked."