Difference between revisions of "Humpback Chub Page"

Latest revision as of 10:17, 23 August 2024

Photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department

Camp chub at the LCR

Description

The humpback chub (Gila cypha) is an endangered, native endemic of the Colorado River that evolved around 3-5 million years ago. The pronounced hump behind its head gives this fish a striking, unusual appearance. It has an olive-colored back, silver sides, a white belly, small eyes and a long snout that overhangs its jaw. Like the Colorado pikeminnow and bonytail, the humpback chub is a member of the minnow family.

The humpback chub is a relatively small fish by most standards – its maximum size is about 20 inches and 2.5 pounds. By minnow standards it is a big fish, though not like the giant of all minnows – the Colorado pikeminnow. Humpback chub can survive more than 30 years in the wild. It can spawn as young as 2 to 3 years of age during its March through July spawning season.

Although the humpback chub does not have the swimming speed or strength of the Colorado pikeminnow, its body is uniquely formed to help it survive in its whitewater habitat. The hump that gives this fish its name acts as a stabilizer and a hydrodynamic foil that helps it maintain position and also probably helped it escape predation by making it difficult to be swallowed by all but the largest pikeminnow. The humpback chub uses its large fins to “glide” in eddy complexes, feeding on insects that become trapped in pockets of slow-moving water. [1]

Status and distribution

The humpback chub was listed as endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1967 and given full protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Historically, humpback chub were probably limited to the eddy complexes of several canyon reaches of the Colorado River and three of its tributaries: the Green and Yampa rivers in Colorado and Utah, and the Little Colorado River in Arizona. The species was first described in 1946. Before that time, few people ventured into these treacherous canyons – including fishery biologists.

Today, five self-sustaining populations of humpback chub occur in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Two to three thousand adults can occur in the Black Rocks and Westwater Canyon core population in the Colorado River near the Colorado/Utah border. Several hundred to more than 1,000 adults may occur in the Desolation/Gray Canyon core population in the Green River. Populations in Yampa and Cataract canyons are small, each consisting of up to a few hundred adults. The largest population of humpback chub is found in the Grand Canyon -- primarily in the Little Colorado River (LCR) and its confluence with the main stem Colorado River. In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey announced that this population increased by about 50 percent from 2001 to 2008 to between 6,000 and 10,000 adults. [2]

The 2018 5-Year Status Review concluded that the humpback chub is not in danger of extinction throughout all of its range, but is likely to become so in the foreseeable future; that is, it is a threatened species throughout all of its range. Therefore, the USFWS made a recommendation to downlist the humpback chub to threatened status. [[3]

LTEMP Resource Goal for Humpback Chub

Meet humpback chub recovery goals, including maintaining a self-sustaining population, spawning habitat, and aggregations in the Colorado River and its tributaries below the Glen Canyon Dam.

Desired Future Condition for Humpback Chub

• Achieve HBC recovery in accord with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the HBC comprehensive management plan, and with the assistance of collaborators within and external to the AMP.
• A self-sustaining HBC population in its natural range in the CRE.
• An ecologically appropriate habitat for the HBC in the mainstem.
• Spawning habitat for HBC in the Lower Little Colorado.
• Establish additional HBC spawning habitat and spawning aggregations within the CRE, where feasible.
• Adequate survival of young-of-year or juvenile HBC that enter the mainstem to maintain reproductive potential of the population and achieve population sizes consistent with recovery goals.

	Fish of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam - GCDAMP training prepared by AZFGD

Updates https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf
ESA Reclassification
After Scientific Review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Propose Reclassification of the Humpback Chub from Endangered to Threatened Things are looking up for a rare Colorado River fish, the endangered humpback chub. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recently completed a species status assessment (SSA) and a 5-year status review that concluded the current risk of extinction is low, such that the species is not in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. The SSA explained that the largest population of humpback chub, which is found in the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers in the Grand Canyon of Arizona, is a stable population of about 12,000 adults. Our SSA also explained that four smaller populations in the Green and Colorado rivers of the upper Colorado River basin have persisted and do not appear to be in immediate danger of extinction. All five populations are wild, persisting without the need for hatchery stocking. These population-monitoring results, when coupled with ongoing flow management and nonnative predatory fish control, mean that the humpback chub will be considered for reclassification from endangered to threatened in the next year. Although this unique fish is making a big step toward recovery it still needs help. Conservation work by a diverse group of stakeholders has been one of the key contributions in recovering this native fish. State, tribal, federal, and private stakeholders collaborate via the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (established in 1988) and the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (established in 1997) to continue the monitoring programs and to reduce threats to this species’ recovery. “Endangered species recovery in altered and heavily managed ecosystems like the Colorado River is a complicated endeavor,” said Service Mountain-Prairie Regional Director Noreen Walsh. “Our best chance for continued success rests in the power of these collaborative partnerships.” The humpback chub, which was first described as a unique species from collections in the Grand Canyon in the 1940’s, was not discovered in the upper Colorado River basin until the 1970’s. It was placed on the original list of endangered species in 1967. Humpback chub prefer canyon-bound reaches of river where they complete their life cycle in swift, turbulent currents. The species gets its name from the fleshy hump behind its head. That adaptation coupled with large, curved fins allows the species to maintain position in the turbulent flows. Habitat alterations (from changes in river flows and inundation of canyon reaches), and competition and predation from invasive species are the greatest threats to the humpback chub. In the 5-year review, the Service also recommends that the species recovery plan be revised to incorporate the best available scientific information on the species needs and actions that will be necessary to eventually delist humpback chub. Efforts to propose reclassification and to revise the recovery plan will be ongoing in the coming year. The proposed reclassification rule and the revised recovery plan will be made available for public comment in the future. To review the SSA visit: Species Status Assessment for the Humpback Chub To review the 5-year review please visit: 5-Year Review of the Humpback Chub
LTEMP BiOp Conservation Measures for Humpback Chub Conservation (2016)
Ongoing actions: Reclamation would continue to support the NPS, FWS, GCMRC, and GCDAMP in funding and implementing translocations of humpback chub into tributaries of the Colorado River in Marble and Grand Canyons, and in monitoring the results of these translocations, consistent with agencies’ plans and guidance (e.g., NPS Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan [CFMP], FWS Humpback Chub Genetics Management Plan and Translocation Framework, and GCMRC Triennial Work Plan). Translocations allow for opportunities to expand the area occupied by humpback chub and improve the overall status of the species. Specifically, the following would occur: Humpback chub would be translocated from the lower reaches of the Little Colorado River to areas above Chute Falls in an effort to increase growth rates and survivorship. Monitoring would be conducted annually, or as needed, depending on the data required, to determine survivability, population status, or genetic integrity of the Havasu Creek humpback chub population. Intermittent translocations of additional humpback chub in Havasu Creek would be conducted if the FWS and NPS determine it is necessary to maintain genetic integrity of the population. Reclamation would continue to fund a spring and fall population estimate annually, or at a different frequency as deemed appropriate in consultation with FWS, using a mark recapture based model for the Little Colorado River or the most appropriate model developed for the current collecting techniques and data. Monitoring the chub population allows us to determine its status (whether it is stable, increasing, or decreasing). Reclamation would continue to fund control or removal of nonnative fish in tributaries prior to chub translocations depending on the existing fish community in each tributary. Reclamation, NPS, and FWS would lead any investigation into the possibility of using a chemical piscicide, or other tools, as appropriate. Tributaries and the appropriate control methods would be identified by the FWS, NPS, Reclamation, and GCMRC, in consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). Depending on the removal methods identified, additional planning and compliance may be necessary. Removal of nonnative fishes improves the status of chub and other native fishes by reducing competition and predation. The regulation and control of nonnative fish is a management action identified in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b). Reclamation would continue to fund the FWS in maintenance of a humpback chub refuge population at a federal hatchery (Reclamation has assisted the FWS in creating a humpback chub refuge at the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center [SNARRC]) or other appropriate facility by providing funding to assist in annual maintenance (including the collection of additional humpback chub from the Little Colorado River for this purpose). In the unlikely event of a catastrophic loss of the Grand Canyon population of humpback chub, the refuge would provide a permanent source of sufficient numbers of genetically representative stock for repatriating the species. Reclamation would continue to assist the FWS, NPS and the GCDAMP to ensure that a stable or upward trend of humpback chub mainstem aggregations can be achieved by: Continuing to conduct annual monitoring of the Little Colorado River humpback chub aggregation (e.g., juvenile chub monitoring parameters). Periodically, an open or multistate model should be run to estimate abundance of the entire Little Colorado River aggregation inclusive of mainstem fish. Supporting annual monitoring in the mainstem Colorado River to determine status and trends of humpback chub and continuing to investigate sampling and analytical methods to estimate abundance of chub in the mainstem. Conducting periodic surveys to identify additional aggregations and individual humpback chub. Evaluating existing aggregations and determining drivers of these aggregations, for example, recruitment, natal origins, spawning locations, and spawning habitat (e.g., consider new and innovative methods such as telemetry or the Judas-fish approach) (Kegerries et al. 2015). Exploring means of expanding humpback chub populations outside of the Little Colorado River Inflow aggregation. Evaluate the feasibility of mainstem augmentation of humpback chub that would include larval collection, rearing, and release into the mainstem at suitable areas outside of or within existing aggregations. Reclamation would, through the GCDAMP, conduct disease and parasite monitoring in humpback chub and other fishes in the mainstem Colorado. The GCMRC is currently conducting parasite monitoring in the Little Colorado River. However, in order to better understand how/if disease and parasites (primarily Asian tapeworm) are affecting chub and how temperature differences may affect parasite occurrence, this work would be expanded to include investigations of parasites in humpback chub (and surrogate fish if necessary) in the mainstem. Ensuring adequate protection from diseases and parasites is an identified management action needed in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b). New actions: Reclamation would collaborate with the FWS, GCMRC, NPS, and the Havasupai Tribe to conduct preliminary surveys and a feasibility study for translocation of humpback chub into Upper Havasu Creek (above Beaver Falls). The implementation of surveys and translocations, following the feasibility study, would be dependent on interagency discussions, planning and compliance, and resulting outcomes of tribal consultation. As stated above, translocations of chub into currently unoccupied habitat aid in expanding the area occupied by the species. In addition, using a tributary to the Colorado River, such as Upper Havasu Creek, protects translocated fish from the effects of dam operations in the mainstem, but still allow for chub in Havasu Creek to contribute to the mainstem population. Reclamation would, in cooperation with the FWS, NPS, GCMRC, and AGFD, explore and evaluate other tributaries for potential translocations.
LTEMP BiOp Triggers for Humpback Chub (LTEMP BA Appendix D)
Tier 1 Trigger – Early Intervention Through Conservation Actions: 1a. If the combined point estimate for adult HBC (adults defined ≥200 mm) in the Colorado River mainstem LCR aggregation; RM 57-65.9) and Little Colorado River (LCR) falls below 9,000 as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model (e.g., ASMR, multi-state). -OR- 1b. If recruitment of sub-adult HBC (150-199mm) does not equal or exceed estimated adult mortality such that: Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 1,250 fish in the spring LCR population estimates, or Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 810 fish in the mainstem Juvenile Chub Monitoring reach (JCM annual fall population estimate; RM 63.45-65.2). Tier 1 Trigger Response: Tier 1 conservation actions listed below will be immediately implemented either in the LCR or in the adjacent mainstem. Conservation actions will focus on increasing growth, survival and distribution of HBC in the LCR & LCR mainstem aggregation area. It is expected that the conservation actions proposed below will assist in ameliorating HBC adult losses or recruitment failures from predation. First, ongoing translocations in the LCR above Chute Falls (~300 fish/year) as well as outside the LCR population (e.g., to Havasu Creek, etc.) will continue, regardless of Tier 1 triggers are met or not. New conservation actions will include expansion of existing activities coupled with experimental actions: LCR - Expand translocation actions in the LCR by collecting an additional 300-600 young of the year (YOY) HBC and move to above Chute Falls in October. LCR - Assess efficacy of transporting larval HBC (April/May) into Big Canyon and above Blue Springs in the LCR system. Evaluate growth and survival of these transplants; Mainstem LCR Aggregation - Larval fish will be removed from LCR (April/May) and head-started at Southwest Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center (SNARRC). Once fish reach 150-200 mm they will be translocated to the mainstem LCR reach the following year (currently grow-out space at SNARRC is limited to 750 HBC, use of fish for this purpose would reduce numbers available for other actions, e.g. Havasu, Shinumo.); Additional conservation actions as identified and evaluated. Tier 2 Trigger - Reduce threat using mechanical removal if conservation actions in Tier 1 are insufficient to arrest a population decline: Mechanical removal of nonnative aquatic predator will ensue: If the point abundance estimate of adult HBC decline to <7,000, as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model. Mechanical removal will terminate if: Predator index (described below) is depleted to less than 60 RBT/km for at least two years in the JCM reach (RM 60.0-64.5) and immigration rate is low (the long term feasibility of using immigration rates as a metric still needs to be assessed), -OR- Adult HBC population estimates exceed 7,500 and recruitment of sub-adult chub exceed adult mortality for at least two years. If immigration rate of predators into JCM reach is high, mechanical removal may need to continue. These triggers are intended to be adaptive based on ongoing and future research (e.g., Lees Ferry recruitment and emigration dynamics, effects of trout suppression flows, effects of Paria River turbidity inputs on predator survival and immigration rates, interactions between humpback chub and rainbow trout, other predation studies).

Links and Information
GCMRC Annual Reports page Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program USFWS ECOS humpback chub site Grand Canyon NPS humpback chub site USGS humpback chub site MSCP humpback chub site 2019 National Park Service Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan 2013 National Park Service Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan 2016 Fish Protocol Evaluation Panel (PEP)
Projects
Little Colorado River (LCR) Projects Translocation Projects Aggregations Projects Bioenergentics Studies Predation Studies Parasite Monitoring Genetic Studies The 2009-2012 Fall Steady Flow Experiment and the Near Shore Ecology (NSE) Study The 2000 Low Steady Summer Flow Experiment
Humpback Chub Documents
2021 Five-year Review of Action Triggers for the Management of Humpback Chub for the LTEMP BiOp 2020 Humpback chub downlisting FRN 2018 Humpback Chub Species Status Assessment 2018 Humpback Chub 5-Year Review 2016 LTEMP Biological Opinion (BO) 2016 LTEMP Biological Assessment (BA) 2011 Biological Assessment for Nonnative Fish Control Downstream from Glen Canyon Dam for the HFE protocol 2011 Humpback Chub 5-Year Review Humpback chub downlisting criteria 2008 Biological Opinion for HFEs, the fall steady flow test, non-native fish removal, and trout suppression flows 2007 Biological Opinion on the Shortage Guidelines Judge dismisses 2002 Humpback Chub Recovery Goals in Grand Canyon Trust vs USBR Ruling 2002 Humpback Chub Recovery Goals 1995 Biological Jeopardy Opinion for implementation of the MLFF alternative 1990 Humpback Chub Recovery Plan 1979 Humpback Chub Recovery Plan
Presentations and Papers
2024 Fisheries Review: Annual Reporting FY2023 Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon Humpback chub growth becomes resource dependent when released from temperature limitation 2023 Fish Propagation Program Dzul et al., 2023, Vital rates of a burgeoning population of humpback chub in western Grand Canyon: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon Grand Canyon National Park Fisheries Program Updates, FY 2022 2022 Fisheries review: Annual Reporting FY2021 Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon 2021 Projected Climate and Geomorphic Changes in the Little Colorado River Watershed and Potential Links to Humpback Chub Habitat Update on 5-year Review of Management Triggers for Humpback Chub Proposed Action Triggers for the Management of Humpback Chub Colorado River, Grand Canyon Long-Term Experimental & Management Plan Biological Opinion – Humpback Chub Trigger Review & Current Status Update GCDAMP Annual Reporting Meeting Update: Fishes Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Biological Opinion Conservation Measures Update Fish Populations and Aquatic Ecosystems in Lees Ferry through the Little Colorado River 2020 GCMRC 2019 Annual Reporting Meeting Overview – Part 1 Humpback Chub Proposed downlisting with 4(d) Fish in Grand Canyon - podcast Ward and Ward, 2020, What's in the hump of the humpback chub? Western North American Naturalist 2019 Yackulic, C.B., and Hull, J.B., 2019, Effects of water temperature, turbidity, and rainbow trout on humpback chub population dynamics: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2019–3049, 4 p. Proposed Downlisting of the Humpback Chub and Razorback Sucker Update Humpback Chub Population Dynamics throughout the Colorado River Ecosystem Long-term Monitoring 2018 USFWS Activity Update June 2018 PPT Brizendine et al., 2018, Effectiveness of ultrasonic imaging for evaluating presence and maturity of eggs in fishes in remote field locations: North American Journal of Fisheries Management Van Haverbeke et al., 2017, Population expansion of humpback chub in western Grand Canyon and hypothesized mechanisms. The Southwestern Naturalist Spring 2018 Monitoring of Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) and other Fishes in the Lower 13.57 km of the Little Colorado River, Arizona Trip Report for: April 17-27, 2018 and May 15-25, 2018 Spring 2018 Monitoring of Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) and other Fishes above Lower Atomizer Falls in the Little Colorado River, Arizona Trip Report for May 15-24, 2018 AIF: Proposed USFWS Downlisting of Humpback Chub from Endangered to Threatened and PPT Humpback Chub Gila cypha SSA & 5-Year Review PPT Modeling humpback chub, adaptive management and LTEMP experiments PPT Drivers of humpback chub population dynamics PPT LTEMP Biological Opinion Conservation Measures Update PPT Yackulic et al., 2018, Inferring species interactions through joint mark-recapture analysis: Ecology 2017 Van Haverbeke et al., 2017, Population expansion of humpback chub in western Grand Canyon and hypothesized mechanisms: The Southwestern Naturalist Pine et al. 2017. Growth of Endangered Humpback Chub in Relation to Temperature and Discharge in the Lower Colorado River. USU Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications Dibble et al. 2017. Does Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Accurately Estimate the Physiological Condition of Threatened and Endangered Desert Fish Species? Humpback Chub – Range Expansion in the Lower Grand Canyon or Better Sampling? 2016 Recovery: Humpback Chubs, New Values and New Hope for Endangered Native Fish Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Science Updates (BO Compliance, Trout Updates, Green Sunfish, Fisheries PEP, Partners in Science) Effects of Turbidity on Predation Vulnerability of Juvenile Humpback Chub to Rainbow and Brown Trout Recovery Plan update for Humpback Chub Factors that Influence Juvenile Humpback Chub Survival Use of Ultrasonic Imaging to Evaluate Egg Maturation of Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) in Grand Canyon 2015 Native-nonnative Interactions; Factors Influencing Predation and Competition Humpback chub triggers for nonnative fish control in the 2011 Biological Opinion (2015 status update) Early Life History of Humpback Chub: Patterns and Potential Drivers Biological Opinion Trigger Update: January 2015 2014 HBC Downlisting and Kanab Ambersnail Delisting Science Updates - Recent Research on Sand, Bugs, and Fish Results from Colorado River Site and ongoing population modeling 2013 GCMRC Update - Status of Resources and Sediment Conditions Science Update: Fisheries Fact Sheet: Native and Nonnative Fish Populations of the Colorado River are Food Limited--Evidence from New Food Web Analyses GCMRC Science Update on Sediment and Fisheries Humpback Chub and Non-native Fish Control Update Humpback Chub Refuge and Hatchery Planning Update Effects of Water Temperature on Predation Vulnerability of Humpback Chub Recent Advances in Population Modeling, Preliminary Estimates, and Relevance to BO Triggers 2012 Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Updates GCMRC Updates and Sediment Update PPT Update on Native and Non-Native Fish Populations PPT Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Updates Trends and Status of the Little Colorado River Population of Humpback Chub: 1989-2011 (ASMR Update) PPT Humpback Chub 5-Year Status Review and Cultural Resources Ad Hoc Group Report PPT GCMRC Updates and PPT AIF: Grand Canyon National Park Fishery Management Process and PPT Humpback Chub 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation Discussion Paper, Western's Concerns with Humpback Chub 5-Year Status review U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Response to Western's Concerns over the Humpback Chub 5-Year Review USFWS Humpback Chub 5-year Review PPT presentation 2011 Annual Report on Native Fish Monitoring Tutorial on Grand Canyon Fish Population Dynamics HBC Status and Trends 2011 Humpback Chub 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation AIF: GCMRC Updates and PPT BIO 2 Rxx: Mainstem Juvenile Humpback Chub Monitoring A Genetic Management Plan for Captive and Translocated Endangered Humpback Chub in the Lower Colorado River Basin dated November 2010 Genetics Management Plan PPT 2010 Evaluating the Relationship Between Capture Probability and Uncertainty in Estimates of Humpback Chub Abundance Using ASMR Evaluating the Relationship Between Capture Probability and Uncertainty in Estimates of Humpback Chub Abundance Using ASMR Corresponding PPT USGS/GCMRC Biology Program Updates - 2010 Biological Monitoring Summary AIF: 1) GCMRC Updates; 2) HBC Comprehensive Plan Implementation Ad Hoc Group Update 2009 Memo from Clayton Palmer and submission of the Final Report for the "Annotated Bibliography for the Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) with Emphasis on the Grand Canyon Population" prepared by Argonne National Laboratory Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Updates Humpback Chub Comprehensive Plan: "Draft Comprehensive Plan for the Management and Conservation of Humpback Chub and Science Advisors' Comments and the responses of SA comments Humpback Chub Comprehensive Plan PPT Humpback Chub Translocation and Refuge Development and Chute Falls Translocation PPT Shinumo Translocation PPT June 2009 Monitoring of Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) and Other Fishes above Lower Atomizer Falls in the Little Colorado River, Arizona (Trip Report by Dennis M. Stone) AIF: Humpback Chub Comprehensive Plan and Report Dated June 16, 2009 Open File Report 2009-1075, "Abundance Trends and Status of the Little Colorado river Population of Humpback Chub: An Update Considering Ddata from 1989-2008 Fact Sheet 2009-3035: Status and Trends of the Grand Canyon Population of Humpback Chub Dated April 2009 AIF: Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) Update USGS Fact Sheet: Status and Trends of the Grand Canyon Population of Humpback Chub USGS Open File Report: Abundance Trends and Status of the Little Colorado River Population of Humpback Chub: An Update Considering Data from 1989-2008 (prepared by Lew Coggins) AIF: 2007 and 2008 Biological Opinions Conservation Measures Update Chute Falls Translocation 2003-2008 PPT Shinumo HBC Translocation Site PPT News Release: Salazar and Locke Restore Scientific Consultations under the Endangered Species Act to Protect Species and their Habitats Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center updates by Program Managers
Humpback Chub Genetics
Genetic Evaluation of Upper Basin Colorado River Gila cypha with Comparisons to G. robusta and G. elegans Genetic Structure of Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) and Roundtail Chub (G. robusta) in the Colorado River Ecosystem
Humpback chub videos
AZDGF: Protecting Grand Canyon's Endangered Humpback Chub, Lower 1200 AZDGF: 2013/2014 Arizona Wildlife Views - Show 1 AZDGF: Humpback Chub Fish AZDGF monitoring in the LCR: Protecting Grand Canyon's Endangered Humpback Chub NMSU Student Researches Humpback Chub in Grand Canyon USFWS: Colorado River Humpback Chub Aggregation Monitoring 2015 USFWS: Humpback Chub Monitoring Little Colorado River 2015 USFWS: Humpback Chub Translocation in Little Colorado River 2015 USFWS: Conservation Connect: Humpback Chub GCWC: Humpback Chub Translocation Grand Canyon National Park GCWC: Humpback Chub NPS: 2010 Humpback Chub Translocation to Shinumo Creek Helicopter delivers 300 endangered humpback chub to Shinumo creek in Grand Canyon
Other Stuff
U.S. Fish and Wildlife say endangered fish on the upswing in Colorado River basin Photos of talus shoreline habitat used by humpback chub Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) Songs of the humpback chub (NPR interview) Audio Script The interaction of fish, foodbase, and temperature Fish occupying warmer water have higher metabolic demands than individuals in cooler water, and if these demands increase concurrently with a seasonal decline in prey availability, then growth rates may be reduced. [4]

Difference between revisions of "Humpback Chub Page"

Latest revision as of 10:17, 23 August 2024

Description

Status and distribution

LTEMP Resource Goal for Humpback Chub

Desired Future Condition for Humpback Chub

Updates

ESA Reclassification

After Scientific Review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Propose Reclassification of the Humpback Chub from Endangered to Threatened

LTEMP BiOp Conservation Measures for Humpback Chub Conservation (2016)

LTEMP BiOp Triggers for Humpback Chub (LTEMP BA Appendix D)

Tier 1 Trigger – Early Intervention Through Conservation Actions:

Tier 1 Trigger Response:

Tier 2 Trigger - Reduce threat using mechanical removal if conservation actions in Tier 1 are insufficient to arrest a population decline:

Links and Information

Projects

Humpback Chub Documents

Presentations and Papers

Humpback Chub Genetics

Humpback chub videos

Other Stuff

The interaction of fish, foodbase, and temperature

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@@ Line 70: / Line 70: @@
 ! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3bfb1; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Updates</h2>
-[[File:HBCsummary2016.jpg|center|500px]] [https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2018-01-25-twg-meeting/AR08.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2018-01-25-twg-meeting/AR20.pdf]
+[[File:2021 HBC Abundance.JPG|center|500px]] [https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf]
-[[File:HBC_WGChoopnets.jpg|center|500px]] [Catches of humpback chub during 2016 system-wide monitoring https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2018-01-25-twg-meeting/AR20.pdf]
+[[File:2021 HBC Growth.JPG|center|500px]] [https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf]
-[[File:HBCabundanceEst_MSM2016.jpg|center|500px]] The multistate population estimate for the Little Colorado River humpback chub aggregation.
+[[File:2021 Summary.JPG|center|500px]] [https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf]
-[[File:HBCabundanceEst_LCRspawning2016.jpg|center|500px]] Estimates of humpback chub coming into the LCR to spawn. The decline in 2015 and 2016 coincides with a decline in chub condition and a decline in the trout population (remember trout and chub eat the same things and are considered competitors). This may be an indication of skip-spawning in 2015 and remaining in the mainstem, not an actual decline in population.
-[[File:HBCabundanceEst_LCRmigrants2016.jpg|center|500px]] Estimate of the proportion of mainstem humpback chub moving into Little Colorado River during the spring spawning season.
-[[File:HBCcondition2016.jpg|center|500px]]
-[[File:HBCcondition drift.jpg|center|600px]] Body condition of humpback chub has been declining with the decline in macroinvertebrates in the drift. Note that most of the drift occurs in the summer when macroinvertebrate production is high. This decline in macroinvertebrate production coincides with the population expansion and subsequent decline in the rainbow trout population indicating competition between rainbow trout and humpback chub. <br>
-[[File:HBCjuviAbundance2016.jpg|center|500px]] Spring LCR 150-199 mm Humpback Chub abundance estimates
-[[File:HBCjuviSurvival2016.jpg|center|500px]] Juvenile Humback Chub Survival Rates
-[[File:HBCpopEst ASMR2011.jpg|center|500px]] ASMR estimates for humpback chub numbers at the LCR
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 *To review the SSA visit: [https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/2018/HumpbackChub_SSA_Final_26Mar2018_wAppendixB&C.pdf '''Species Status Assessment for the Humpback Chub''']
 *To review the 5-year review please visit: [https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/2018/Humpback%20Chub%205-yr%20Final%20-%20signed%203-19-18%20Compliant.pdf '''5-Year Review of the Humpback Chub''']
+|-
+! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> [http://gcdamp.com/index.php?title=Long-term_Experimental_and_Management_Plan_(LTEMP) LTEMP BiOp Conservation Measures for Humpback Chub Conservation (2016)] </h2>
+|-
+|style="color:#000;"|
+Ongoing actions:
+Reclamation would continue to support the NPS, FWS, GCMRC, and GCDAMP in funding and implementing '''translocations''' of humpback chub into tributaries of the Colorado River in Marble and Grand Canyons, and in monitoring the results of these translocations, consistent with agencies’ plans and guidance (e.g., NPS Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan [CFMP], FWS Humpback Chub Genetics Management Plan and Translocation Framework, and GCMRC Triennial Work Plan). Translocations allow for opportunities to expand the area occupied by humpback chub and improve the overall status of the species. Specifically, the following would occur:
+*Humpback chub would be translocated from the lower reaches of the Little Colorado River to areas above Chute Falls in an effort to increase growth rates and survivorship.
+*Monitoring would be conducted annually, or as needed, depending on the data required, to determine survivability, population status, or genetic integrity of the Havasu Creek humpback chub population. Intermittent translocations of additional humpback chub in Havasu Creek would be conducted if the FWS and NPS determine it is necessary to maintain genetic integrity of the population.
+Reclamation would continue to fund a '''spring and fall population estimate''' annually, or at a different frequency as deemed appropriate in consultation with FWS, using a mark recapture based model for the Little Colorado River or the most appropriate model developed for the current collecting techniques and data. Monitoring the chub population allows us to determine its status (whether it is stable, increasing, or decreasing).
+Reclamation would continue to fund '''control or removal of nonnative fish''' in tributaries prior to chub translocations depending on the existing fish community in each tributary. Reclamation, NPS, and FWS would lead any investigation into the possibility of using a chemical piscicide, or other tools, as appropriate. Tributaries and the appropriate control methods would be identified by the FWS, NPS, Reclamation, and GCMRC, in consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). Depending on the removal methods identified, additional planning and compliance may be necessary. Removal of nonnative fishes improves the status of chub and other native fishes by reducing competition and predation. The regulation and control of nonnative fish is a management action identified in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b).
+Reclamation would continue to fund the FWS in maintenance of a '''humpback chub refuge'''
+population at a federal hatchery (Reclamation has assisted the FWS in creating a
+humpback chub refuge at the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery
+Center [SNARRC]) or other appropriate facility by providing funding to assist in annual
+maintenance (including the collection of additional humpback chub from the Little
+Colorado River for this purpose). In the unlikely event of a catastrophic loss of the
+Grand Canyon population of humpback chub, the refuge would provide a permanent
+source of sufficient numbers of genetically representative stock for repatriating the
+species.
+Reclamation would continue to assist the FWS, NPS and the GCDAMP to ensure that a
+'''stable or upward trend''' of humpback chub mainstem aggregations can be achieved by:
+*Continuing to conduct annual monitoring of the Little Colorado River humpback chub aggregation (e.g., juvenile chub monitoring parameters). Periodically, an open or multistate model should be run to estimate abundance of the entire Little Colorado River aggregation inclusive of mainstem fish.
+*Supporting annual monitoring in the mainstem Colorado River to determine status and trends of humpback chub and continuing to investigate sampling and analytical methods to estimate abundance of chub in the mainstem.
+*Conducting periodic surveys to identify additional aggregations and individual humpback chub.
+*Evaluating existing aggregations and determining drivers of these aggregations, for example, recruitment, natal origins, spawning locations, and spawning habitat (e.g., consider new and innovative methods such as telemetry or the Judas-fish approach) (Kegerries et al. 2015).
+*Exploring means of expanding humpback chub populations outside of the Little Colorado River Inflow aggregation. Evaluate the feasibility of mainstem augmentation of humpback chub that would include larval collection, rearing, and release into the mainstem at suitable areas outside of or within existing aggregations.
+Reclamation would, through the GCDAMP, conduct '''disease and parasite monitoring''' in
+humpback chub and other fishes in the mainstem Colorado. The GCMRC is currently
+conducting parasite monitoring in the Little Colorado River. However, in order to better
+understand how/if disease and parasites (primarily Asian tapeworm) are affecting chub
+and how temperature differences may affect parasite occurrence, this work would be
+expanded to include investigations of parasites in humpback chub (and surrogate fish if
+necessary) in the mainstem. Ensuring adequate protection from diseases and parasites is
+an identified management action needed in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals
+(USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b).
+New actions:
+Reclamation would collaborate with the FWS, GCMRC, NPS, and the Havasupai Tribe
+to conduct preliminary surveys and a feasibility study for '''translocation of humpback chub into Upper Havasu Creek (above Beaver Falls)'''. The implementation of surveys and
+translocations, following the feasibility study, would be dependent on interagency
+discussions, planning and compliance, and resulting outcomes of tribal consultation. As
+stated above, translocations of chub into currently unoccupied habitat aid in expanding
+the area occupied by the species. In addition, using a tributary to the Colorado River,
+such as Upper Havasu Creek, protects translocated fish from the effects of dam
+operations in the mainstem, but still allow for chub in Havasu Creek to contribute to the
+mainstem population.
+Reclamation would, in cooperation with the FWS, NPS, GCMRC, and AGFD, explore
+and '''evaluate other tributaries for potential translocations'''.
+|-
+! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> [[Media:Appendix D Final Chub Triggers 2017.pdf| LTEMP BiOp Triggers for Humpback Chub (LTEMP BA Appendix D)]] </h2>
+|-
+|style="color:#000;"|
+=== '''Tier 1 Trigger – Early Intervention Through Conservation Actions:''' ===
+*1a. If the combined point estimate for adult HBC (adults defined ≥200 mm) in the Colorado River mainstem LCR aggregation; RM 57-65.9) and Little Colorado River (LCR) falls below 9,000 as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model (e.g., ASMR, multi-state).
+-OR-
+*1b. If recruitment of sub-adult HBC (150-199mm) does not equal or exceed estimated adult mortality such that:
+# Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 1,250 fish in the spring LCR population estimates, or
+# Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 810 fish in the mainstem Juvenile Chub Monitoring reach (JCM annual fall population estimate; RM 63.45-65.2).
+===Tier 1 Trigger Response: ===
+*Tier 1 conservation actions listed below will be immediately implemented either in the LCR or in the adjacent mainstem. Conservation actions will focus on increasing growth, survival and distribution of HBC in the LCR & LCR mainstem aggregation area.
+It is expected that the conservation actions proposed below will assist in ameliorating HBC adult losses or recruitment failures from predation. First, ongoing translocations in the LCR above Chute Falls (~300 fish/year) as well as outside the LCR population (e.g., to Havasu Creek, etc.) will continue, regardless of Tier 1 triggers are met or not. New conservation actions will include expansion of existing activities coupled with experimental actions:
+*LCR - Expand translocation actions in the LCR by collecting an additional 300-600 young of the year (YOY) HBC and move to above Chute Falls in October.
+*LCR - Assess efficacy of transporting larval HBC (April/May) into Big Canyon and above Blue Springs in the LCR system. Evaluate growth and survival of these transplants;
+*Mainstem LCR Aggregation - Larval fish will be removed from LCR (April/May) and head-started at Southwest Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center (SNARRC). Once fish reach 150-200 mm they will be translocated to the mainstem LCR reach the following year (currently grow-out space at SNARRC is limited to 750 HBC, use of fish for this purpose would reduce numbers available for other actions, e.g. Havasu, Shinumo.);
+*Additional conservation actions as identified and evaluated.
+=== '''Tier 2 Trigger - Reduce threat using mechanical removal if conservation actions in Tier 1 are insufficient to arrest a population decline:''' ===
+Mechanical removal of nonnative aquatic predator will ensue:
+*If the point abundance estimate of adult HBC decline to <7,000, as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model.
+Mechanical removal will terminate if:
+*Predator index (described below) is depleted to less than 60 RBT/km for at least two years in the JCM reach (RM 60.0-64.5) and immigration rate is low (the long term feasibility of using immigration rates as a metric still needs to be assessed),
+-OR-
+*Adult HBC population estimates exceed 7,500 and recruitment of sub-adult chub exceed adult mortality for at least two years.
+[[File:PredatorIndexTable.jpg|center|500px]]
+If immigration rate of predators into JCM reach is high, mechanical removal may need to continue. These triggers are intended to be adaptive based on ongoing and future research (e.g., Lees Ferry recruitment and emigration dynamics, effects of trout suppression flows, effects of Paria River turbidity inputs on predator survival and immigration rates, interactions between humpback chub and rainbow trout, other predation studies).
 |}
@@ Line 122: / Line 213: @@
 |style="color:#000;"|
+*[http://gcdamp.com/index.php?title=Portal:GCDAMP_Knowlege_Assessments GCMRC Annual Reports page]
 *[http://www.coloradoriverrecovery.org/general-information/the-fish/humpback-chub.html Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program ]
 *[https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=E000 USFWS ECOS humpback chub site]
@@ Line 151: / Line 243: @@
 |style="color:#000;"|
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/Reports/LTEMPReports/20211200-Five-yearReviewActionTriggersManagementHumpbackChub-508-UCRO.pdf 2021 Five-year Review of Action Triggers for the Management of Humpback Chub for the LTEMP BiOp]
 *[[Media:Chub downlisting draft 2020.pdf| 2020 Humpback chub downlisting FRN ]]
 *[http://www.coloradoriverrecovery.org/documents-publications/foundational-documents/recoverygoals/HumpbackChub_SSA_Final_26Mar2018_wAppendixB&C.pdf 2018 Humpback Chub Species Status Assessment]
@@ Line 171: / Line 264: @@
 |-
 |style="color:#000;"|
+'''2024'''
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2024-02-29-amwg-meeting/20240229-FisheriesReviewAnnualReportingFY2023-508-UCRO.pdf Fisheries Review: Annual Reporting FY2023 ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2024-01-25-twg-meeting/20240125-AnnualReportingMeeting-MonitoringHumpbackChubGrandCanyon-508-UCRO.pdf Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon]
+*[[Media:ARM_HBC_Growth_Poster_2024_V2_final.pdf| Humpback chub growth becomes resource dependent when released from temperature limitation]]
+'''2023'''
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2023-11-08-twg-meeting/20231108-FishPropagationProgram-508-UCRO.pdf Fish Propagation Program]
+*[https://doi.org/10.1002/tafs.10415 Dzul et al., 2023, Vital rates of a burgeoning population of humpback chub in western Grand Canyon: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2023-01-26-twg-meeting/20230126-AnnualReportingMeeting-MonitoringHumpbackChubLittleColoradoRiverGrand%20Canyon-508-UCRO.pdf Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2023-01-26-twg-meeting/20230126-AnnualReportingMeeting-GrandCanyonNationalParkFisheriesProgramUpdates-FY2022-508-UCRO.pdf Grand Canyon National Park Fisheries Program Updates, FY 2022]
+'''2022'''
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2022-02-10-amwg-meeting/20220210-FisheriesReview-AnnualReportingFY2021-508-UCRO.pdf Fisheries review: Annual Reporting FY2021 ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2022-01-13-twg-meeting/20220113-AnnualReportingMeeting-MonitoringHumpbackChubLittleColoradoRiverColoradoRiverGrandCanyon-508-UCRO.pdf Monitoring Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Colorado River, Grand Canyon ]
+'''2021'''
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-10-14-twg-meeting/20211014-ProjectedClimateGeomorphicChangesLittleColoradoRiver-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Projected Climate and Geomorphic Changes in the Little Colorado River Watershed and Potential Links to Humpback Chub Habitat]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-10-14-twg-meeting/20211014-Update5-yearReviewManagementTriggersHumpbackChub-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Update on 5-year Review of Management Triggers for Humpback Chub ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-06-17-twg-meeting/20210617-ProposedActionTriggersManagementHumpbackChub-508-UCRO.pdf Proposed Action Triggers for the Management of Humpback Chub Colorado River, Grand Canyon ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-04-14-twg-meeting/20210414-LTEMPBiologicalOpinion%E2%80%93HumpbackChubTriggerReviewCurrentStatusUpdate-508-UCRO.pdf Long-Term Experimental & Management Plan Biological Opinion – Humpback Chub Trigger Review & Current Status Update ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2021-02-11-amwg-meeting/20210211-GCDAMPAnnualReportingMeetingUpdateFishes-508-UCRO.pdf GCDAMP Annual Reporting Meeting Update: Fishes ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-01-22-twg-meeting/20210122-TWGMeeting-LTEMPBiologicalOpinionConservationMeasuresUpdate-508-UCRO.pdf Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Biological Opinion Conservation Measures Update ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2021-01-22-twg-meeting/20210122-AnnualReportingMeeting-FishPopulationsAquaticEcosystems-508-UCRO.pdf Fish Populations and Aquatic Ecosystems in Lees Ferry through the Little Colorado River ]
 '''2020'''
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2020-02-12-amwg-meeting/20200212-GCMRC2020AnnualReportingMeeting-PresentationPart1-508-UCRO.pdf GCMRC 2019 Annual Reporting Meeting Overview – Part 1 ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2020-02-12-amwg-meeting/20200212-HumpbackChubProposedDownlisting-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Humpback Chub Proposed downlisting with 4(d) ]
+*[https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/ecosystems/science/episode-5-fish-grand-canyon?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects Fish in Grand Canyon - podcast]
 *[https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol80/iss1/12 Ward and Ward, 2020, What's in the hump of the humpback chub? Western North American Naturalist]
@@ Line 179: / Line 299: @@
 *[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2019-03-06-amwg-meeting/20190306-ProposedDownlistingHumpbackChubRazorbackSuckerUpdate-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Proposed Downlisting of the Humpback Chub and Razorback Sucker Update]
 *[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2019-03-14-twg-meeting/20190314-HumpbackChubPopulationDynamicsColoradoRiverEcosystem-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Humpback Chub Population Dynamics throughout the Colorado River Ecosystem ]
+*[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2019-03-14-twg-meeting/20190314-Long-termMonitoring-Presentation-508-UCRO.pdf Long-term Monitoring]
 '''2018'''
@@ Line 277: / Line 398: @@
 *[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/amwg/2009-04-29-amwg-meeting/Attach_17.pdf News Release: Salazar and Locke Restore Scientific Consultations under the Endangered Species Act to Protect Species and their Habitats]
 *[https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/twg/2009-03-16-twg-meeting/Attach_05.pdf Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center updates by Program Managers]
-|-
-! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> [http://gcdamp.com/index.php?title=Long-term_Experimental_and_Management_Plan_(LTEMP) LTEMP BiOp Conservation Measures for Humpback Chub Conservation (2016)] </h2>
-|-
-|style="color:#000;"|
-Ongoing actions:
-Reclamation would continue to support the NPS, FWS, GCMRC, and GCDAMP in funding and implementing '''translocations''' of humpback chub into tributaries of the Colorado River in Marble and Grand Canyons, and in monitoring the results of these translocations, consistent with agencies’ plans and guidance (e.g., NPS Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan [CFMP], FWS Humpback Chub Genetics Management Plan and Translocation Framework, and GCMRC Triennial Work Plan). Translocations allow for opportunities to expand the area occupied by humpback chub and improve the overall status of the species. Specifically, the following would occur:
-*Humpback chub would be translocated from the lower reaches of the Little Colorado River to areas above Chute Falls in an effort to increase growth rates and survivorship.
-*Monitoring would be conducted annually, or as needed, depending on the data required, to determine survivability, population status, or genetic integrity of the Havasu Creek humpback chub population. Intermittent translocations of additional humpback chub in Havasu Creek would be conducted if the FWS and NPS determine it is necessary to maintain genetic integrity of the population.
-Reclamation would continue to fund a '''spring and fall population estimate''' annually, or at a different frequency as deemed appropriate in consultation with FWS, using a mark recapture based model for the Little Colorado River or the most appropriate model developed for the current collecting techniques and data. Monitoring the chub population allows us to determine its status (whether it is stable, increasing, or decreasing).
-Reclamation would continue to fund '''control or removal of nonnative fish''' in tributaries prior to chub translocations depending on the existing fish community in each tributary. Reclamation, NPS, and FWS would lead any investigation into the possibility of using a chemical piscicide, or other tools, as appropriate. Tributaries and the appropriate control methods would be identified by the FWS, NPS, Reclamation, and GCMRC, in consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). Depending on the removal methods identified, additional planning and compliance may be necessary. Removal of nonnative fishes improves the status of chub and other native fishes by reducing competition and predation. The regulation and control of nonnative fish is a management action identified in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b).
-Reclamation would continue to fund the FWS in maintenance of a '''humpback chub refuge'''
-population at a federal hatchery (Reclamation has assisted the FWS in creating a
-humpback chub refuge at the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery
-Center [SNARRC]) or other appropriate facility by providing funding to assist in annual
-maintenance (including the collection of additional humpback chub from the Little
-Colorado River for this purpose). In the unlikely event of a catastrophic loss of the
-Grand Canyon population of humpback chub, the refuge would provide a permanent
-source of sufficient numbers of genetically representative stock for repatriating the
-species.
-Reclamation would continue to assist the FWS, NPS and the GCDAMP to ensure that a
-'''stable or upward trend''' of humpback chub mainstem aggregations can be achieved by:
-*Continuing to conduct annual monitoring of the Little Colorado River humpback chub aggregation (e.g., juvenile chub monitoring parameters). Periodically, an open or multistate model should be run to estimate abundance of the entire Little Colorado River aggregation inclusive of mainstem fish.
-*Supporting annual monitoring in the mainstem Colorado River to determine status and trends of humpback chub and continuing to investigate sampling and analytical methods to estimate abundance of chub in the mainstem.
-*Conducting periodic surveys to identify additional aggregations and individual humpback chub.
-*Evaluating existing aggregations and determining drivers of these aggregations, for example, recruitment, natal origins, spawning locations, and spawning habitat (e.g., consider new and innovative methods such as telemetry or the Judas-fish approach) (Kegerries et al. 2015).
-*Exploring means of expanding humpback chub populations outside of the Little Colorado River Inflow aggregation. Evaluate the feasibility of mainstem augmentation of humpback chub that would include larval collection, rearing, and release into the mainstem at suitable areas outside of or within existing aggregations.
-Reclamation would, through the GCDAMP, conduct '''disease and parasite monitoring''' in
-humpback chub and other fishes in the mainstem Colorado. The GCMRC is currently
-conducting parasite monitoring in the Little Colorado River. However, in order to better
-understand how/if disease and parasites (primarily Asian tapeworm) are affecting chub
-and how temperature differences may affect parasite occurrence, this work would be
-expanded to include investigations of parasites in humpback chub (and surrogate fish if
-necessary) in the mainstem. Ensuring adequate protection from diseases and parasites is
-an identified management action needed in the Humpback Chub Recovery Goals
-(USFWS 2002a) and Razorback Sucker Recovery Goals (USFWS 2002b).
-New actions:
-Reclamation would collaborate with the FWS, GCMRC, NPS, and the Havasupai Tribe
-to conduct preliminary surveys and a feasibility study for '''translocation of humpback chub into Upper Havasu Creek (above Beaver Falls)'''. The implementation of surveys and
-translocations, following the feasibility study, would be dependent on interagency
-discussions, planning and compliance, and resulting outcomes of tribal consultation. As
-stated above, translocations of chub into currently unoccupied habitat aid in expanding
-the area occupied by the species. In addition, using a tributary to the Colorado River,
-such as Upper Havasu Creek, protects translocated fish from the effects of dam
-operations in the mainstem, but still allow for chub in Havasu Creek to contribute to the
-mainstem population.
-Reclamation would, in cooperation with the FWS, NPS, GCMRC, and AGFD, explore
-and '''evaluate other tributaries for potential translocations'''.
-|-
-! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#cedff2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #a3b0bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;"> [[Media:Appendix D Final Chub Triggers 2017.pdf| LTEMP BiOp Triggers for Humpback Chub (LTEMP BA Appendix D)]] </h2>
-|-
-|style="color:#000;"|
-=== '''Tier 1 Trigger – Early Intervention Through Conservation Actions:''' ===
-*1a. If the combined point estimate for adult HBC (adults defined ≥200 mm) in the Colorado River mainstem LCR aggregation; RM 57-65.9) and Little Colorado River (LCR) falls below 9,000 as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model (e.g., ASMR, multi-state).
--OR-
-*1b. If recruitment of sub-adult HBC (150-199mm) does not equal or exceed estimated adult mortality such that:
-# Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 1,250 fish in the spring LCR population estimates, or
-# Sub-adult abundance falls below a three-year running average of 810 fish in the mainstem Juvenile Chub Monitoring reach (JCM annual fall population estimate; RM 63.45-65.2).
-===Tier 1 Trigger Response: ===
-*Tier 1 conservation actions listed below will be immediately implemented either in the LCR or in the adjacent mainstem. Conservation actions will focus on increasing growth, survival and distribution of HBC in the LCR & LCR mainstem aggregation area.
-It is expected that the conservation actions proposed below will assist in ameliorating HBC adult losses or recruitment failures from predation. First, ongoing translocations in the LCR above Chute Falls (~300 fish/year) as well as outside the LCR population (e.g., to Havasu Creek, etc.) will continue, regardless of Tier 1 triggers are met or not. New conservation actions will include expansion of existing activities coupled with experimental actions:
-*LCR - Expand translocation actions in the LCR by collecting an additional 300-600 young of the year (YOY) HBC and move to above Chute Falls in October.
-*LCR - Assess efficacy of transporting larval HBC (April/May) into Big Canyon and above Blue Springs in the LCR system. Evaluate growth and survival of these transplants;
-*Mainstem LCR Aggregation - Larval fish will be removed from LCR (April/May) and head-started at Southwest Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center (SNARRC). Once fish reach 150-200 mm they will be translocated to the mainstem LCR reach the following year (currently grow-out space at SNARRC is limited to 750 HBC, use of fish for this purpose would reduce numbers available for other actions, e.g. Havasu, Shinumo.);
-*Additional conservation actions as identified and evaluated.
-=== '''Tier 2 Trigger - Reduce threat using mechanical removal if conservation actions in Tier 1 are insufficient to arrest a population decline:''' ===
-Mechanical removal of nonnative aquatic predator will ensue:
-*If the point abundance estimate of adult HBC decline to <7,000, as estimated by the currently accepted HBC population model.
-Mechanical removal will terminate if:
-*Predator index (described below) is depleted to less than 60 RBT/km for at least two years in the JCM reach (RM 60.0-64.5) and immigration rate is low (the long term feasibility of using immigration rates as a metric still needs to be assessed),
--OR-
-*Adult HBC population estimates exceed 7,500 and recruitment of sub-adult chub exceed adult mortality for at least two years.
-[[File:PredatorIndexTable.jpg|center|500px]]
-If immigration rate of predators into JCM reach is high, mechanical removal may need to continue. These triggers are intended to be adaptive based on ongoing and future research (e.g., Lees Ferry recruitment and emigration dynamics, effects of trout suppression flows, effects of Paria River turbidity inputs on predator survival and immigration rates, interactions between humpback chub and rainbow trout, other predation studies).
 |-