Annual Report

Experimental Augmentation and Monitoring of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico Annual Report June 2002 Through May 2003

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Garcia_2003_Experimental%20Augmentation%20and%20monitoring%20of%20RGSM%20in%20the%20MRG%20NM%20Annual%20Report%20June%202002%20through%20May%202003.pdf

Date: 2003/08/26

Author(s): Garcia H.

Publication: Report prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 37 p.

Abstract:

Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus (Girard) was historically found in the mainstem Rio Grande and its larger tributaries (Rio Chama and Jemez River) from near Espanola, New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Pecos River from Santa Rosa, New Mexico downstream to its confluence with the Rio Grande. Currently, H. amarus is found in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico between Cochiti Dam and Elephant Butte Reservoir, representing 283 km (176 miles), or 5 to 7% of its historic range. The species has declined throughout its remaining range, and of the three reaches of known distribution (Angostura, Isleta, and San Acacia), Angostura Reach has the lowest catch rates of H. Amarus and the lowest possibility of river drying. These factors give Angostura Reach the highest potential for augmentation efforts.