Translocation Projects

LTEMP BiOp Conservation Measures for Humpback Chub Conservation (2016) 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.

--	--	--

Projects Chute Falls Translocation (Little Colorado River) Background [1] Prior to translocations: no HBC above Chute Falls (fish barrier or high CO2 levels). Since 2003, six chub have been documented ascending Chute Falls on their own accord. [2] High productivity and higher winter water temperatures than the lower LCR should equal higher growth rates and faster maturity Translocations began 2003 ~3,106 juvenile humpback chub have been translocated from the lower reaches of the LCR to upstream of Chute Falls (2015) [3] Annual Monitoring – hoop nets surveys in May or June Objectives 2003-2005 [4] Determine if HBC can survive and remain above Chute Falls: yes, translocated fish had higher survival than Coggins et al. 2006 estimate. Good retention during most years but populations is susceptible to stochastic events (e.g. 2010 flood) Determine if HBC grow (given increased food availability, but potential detrimental impacts from CO2): By the 1st ensuing spring since being released 16% of age-1 translocated chub had achieved adult size (>200 mm TL). By the 2nd ensuing spring since being released 96% of age-2 chub had achieved adult size. [5] Determine if HBC can recruit to adulthood: yes Determine if HBC spawning population will develop: tbd 2006-Present [6] Conduct mark/recapture population estimates – 2 reaches (>CF and LA to CF) to determine: Migration patterns: Chute is not a complete barrier to chub moving upstream, movement throughout, including to the mainstem Growth rates: higher growth rates than fish lower in the LCR Spawning activity: ripe fish and YOY fish found above Chute in 2007 Assess overall benefit to LCR HBC: Appears to be one of few tools available to directly increase adult population if needed in future. Translocations are relatively easy and inexpensive beneficial conservation actions compared to other options that may be much more expensive and politically difficult to implement. [7] Havasu Creek Translocations Shinumo Creek Translocations [8] Included as a Conservation measure in the 2008 and 2011 Biological Opinions Objectives: Primary: Develop second spawning population Provide rearing (grow-out) opportunities, augmentation of mainstem aggregations Project History Translocated 1,102 humpback chub (total): 2009: 302 2010: 300 2011: 300 2013: 200 June 2014 population estimate: ≈125 to 190 individuals (preliminary; all years represented) Results Meeting Objectives for rearing/”grow-out” Annual growth greater than in the mainstem Colorado River but less than in the LCR 2 out of 3 years (2013-14 results pending) Large portion of mainstem captures at the mouth of Shinumo are translocated fish No reproduction (but fish were still young) Galahad Point Fire – May-July 2014 [9] Shinumo Creek flooding (containing ash) reported in July and August PIT tag antenna destroyed in July >99% decline in fish, overall High density of rainbow trout in Merlin Abyss Creek (½ mile of undamaged habitat) Bluehead sucker and humpback chub believed to be extirpated Significant channel alteration, pools filled 80-90% loss of riparian vegetation Next Steps Remove remaining trout in Merlin Abyss Monitor habitat recovery In 3-5 years restore native fish community throughout watershed (humpback chub, speckled dace, bluehead sucker) Bright Angel Creek Translocations (proposed; following NPS trout reduction) Beaver Falls Translocations (Havasu Creek) (proposed; Conservation Measure) Mainstem Translocations in Western Grand Canyon (proposed) Mainstem Translocations at the LCR (proposed; Conservation Measure)

Links and Information The Humpback Chub Page Presentations and Papers 2017 Mark-Recapture and Fish Monitoring Activities in the Little Colorado River in Grand Canyon from 2000 to 2016 (Chute Falls translocation) Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado River and Translocations 2016 Spring 2016 Chute Falls humpback chub sampling trip report Humpback chub in the Little Colorado River, Monitoring of Juveniles, Sub-Adults, and Adults and Translocations Humpback Chub Translocations to Havasu and Shinumo Creeks, Grand Canyon National Park 2015 Havasu Creek Translocation Update Chute Falls Translocation Update Humpback Chub Translocations to Shinumo and Havasu Creeks, Grand Canyon National Park 2014 2014 Shinumo Creek Flood NPS Fisheries Program Updates: Humpback chub translocations to Grand Canyon Tributaries (Healy) 2013 Chute Falls Humpback Chub Translocations Objectives, Effectiveness and Future Work NPS Fisheries Program Updates: Humpback Chub Translocations 2006 The Paria River Mouth as an Experimental Humpback Chub Rearing Site Range Restoration of Endangered Humpback Chub at the Paria River Mouth Other Stuff