San Juan River Hydrology, Geomorphology, and Habitat Studies

This project was conducted for the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program. The objective was to identify specific habitat types utilized by young, endangered fishes in order to better understand the relationship between the availability and use of such habitats and to provide high resolution data to allow this habitat to be mapped more broadly in the San Juan River. Young-of-the-year (YOY) Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) were sampled within at least two complex reaches to assess habitat use and habitat was mapped in each complex reach each time fish sampling occurred to assess habitat availability. During this three-year study, RedFISH staff conducted intensive bi-annual fish and habitat sampling using standardized protocols, sampled a total of 1,215 habitat units across all reaches and sampling events, conducted mark-recapture population assessments of non-native and native fish, and performed detailed habitat mapping (rafting) and sampled fish (seining) in specific habitat types. Physical characteristics were recorded at each habitat sampled. RedFISH staff directed the implementation of the scope of work, assisted with inter-agency coordination, analyzed data, prepared annual reports for peer review, and presented results in scientific meetings and conferences.