Publication

Silvery Minnow Egg and Larval Fish Monitoring in Constructed Embayments: Summary of Findings Report

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Beck%20and%20Fluder_2006_RGSM%20egg%20and%20larval%20fish%20monitoring%20in%20constructed%20embayments.pdf

Date: 2006/08/01

Author(s): Beck S., Fluder III J.J.

Publication: Report prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 11 p.

Abstract:

As part of the effort to investigate ideal nursery habitat criteria for Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus; silvery minnow) the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office (Reclamation) contracted with SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) to conduct nursery habitat monitoring during 2006. The objective of this study was to determine whether inundated, low-velocity mesohabitats with emergent vegetation (terrestrial or hydrophytic) attract spawning Rio Grande silvery minnows, gravid females, or larvae. Because of low spring flows during 2006, such areas did not exist within the study area, and this type of habitat was simulated using either naturally occurring or temporarily constructed shallow, low-velocity areas and substituting hay for naturally occurring terrestrial vegetation.