Arizona Game and Fish Department Grant: Razorback Sucker Production and Facility Enhancement

The objectives are to continue razorback sucker production (between 5,000 and 15,000 annually) with a target objective of 12,000 razorback sucker (minimum size of 300mm Total Length) for the 2011-2012 time period.

Other objectives are to initiate facility improvements designed to replace ailing infrastructure, address bio-security issues with incoming water (non-native fish, pathogens, disease), improve effluent water; implement various predator abatement techniques, and potentially implement a complete hatchery renovation in partnership with the Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt River Project, and other potential entities so that Bubbling Ponds Hatchery can contribute to fish augmentation needs of the LCR MSCP for long-term conservation efforts. If for any reason there is a shortage in the availability of razorback fry for culture/production or a pathogen issue that prohibits the Department from accepting fry, the Department may be unable to meet the target objective of 12,000 razorback sucker annually. It typically requires a minimum of 21 months to complete a production cycle with a group of razorback sucker. The spawning period is typically from February to April, which means that fry harvested for production would not be to distribution size until June of the following year at the earliest.

Specific fish hatchery infrastructure features that may be addressed (if funding is available) include but are not limited to:
� Replacing water lines/gates/valves,
� Installing flow measuring and/or monitoring devices,
� Installing drum filtration and UV treatment system for incoming water,
� Refine design and specifications for a new water quality settling basin or clarifier,
� Designing and constructing support features such as office and/or storage space,
� And improving fish culture areas with new ponds, raceways, tanks, or other features.