NATIVE FISH AND FISH HABITATS IN GLEN AND GRAND CANYONS:THE ROLE OF THE PARIA RIVER

Larry Stevens Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, Inc.Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

DISCUSSION TOPICS

• Missing fish, missing habitat: is a new paradigm needed?• Ponding of CR tributary mouths during high flows• Geography of the lower Paria River• Historical fish presence in the Paria confluence• Relevance and design of experimental rearing ponds6. Next steps

ANIMAL SPECIES EXTIRPATED OR AT-RISK FROM THE GRAND CANYON REGION SINCE 1919

Kanab ambersnail Colorado pikeminnowRazorback suckerRoundtail chubBonytail chubHumpback chubNorthern leopard frogZebra-tailed lizardBurrowing owlCalifornia condor *Sage grouseYellow-billed cuckooPileated woodpeckerSouthwestern willow flycatcher

Prairie dogMuskratBadgerRiver otterJaguarGray WolfBlack bear ???Grizzly bearMiriam elk

NATIVE FISH OF THE COLORADO RIVER,GLEN AND GRAND CANYONS

TRIBUTARY MOUTH PONDINGDURING MAINSTREAM FLOODS

1. Stage of mainstream serves as dam, ponding trib mouth to that elevation

2. Timing = May-July, depending on mainstream hydrograph,a period with low likelihood of tributary high flows

3. Complex flows at mouth, but slow- to stalled flow in pond4. Productivity increases as suspended sediments drop

out of ponded water5. Likely favorable conditions for rapid growth of larval fish 6. Ponding process wholly eliminated by GC Dam and

flood control

Pre-dam (1922-1962)

UnrestrainedHydropowerProduction,1964-1990

MLFF, 1991-2011

Old Paria R. Gauge

New Paria R. Gauge

Lonely Dell Ranch

LF Gravel Pits

LF Launch Ramp

Paria River

GEOGRAPHY OF THE LOWER PARIA RIVER

Colorado R

iver

Old Crossing

Mormon Dam

Paria R. Mouth

50K cfs

100K cfs

150K cfs

200K cfs

Colorado PikeminnowRazorback Sucker

Bonytail Chub

NATIVE FISH IN LOWER PARIA RIVER1. Diaries and historical literature2. Interviews with historical resident: Spencer Johnson2. Discussion with Wendel Minckley, Robert Miller,

Robert Smith3. AGFD reports4. Other evidence –U. Michigan and other collections

Of changes known about native fish in Grand Canyon, extirpation of HBC, CPM, and RBS from the Paria R. confluenceis the well documented. The Paria River mouth area supportedthe second largest HBC population in Grand Canyon, andsubstantial populations of RBS and CPM; however, all ofthose populations have been extirpated.

Why has the role of the Paria River been ignored?

PARIA RIVER FLOWS AND WQ

1. Paria River flows well studied (Graf, Topping)Winter snowmelt from Bryce Canyon areaSummer monsoon floods, mid-late July – SeptemberHigh concentrations of fine sediments

2. Stage-related pond area survey needed3. Water quality

Some data availableFlow augmented by East Sevier transbasin diversionWater temperature upstream from Lonely Dell exceeds

98oF in mid-July, with low DO (fish kills occur)but SC and pH well within native fish tolerance range

Suggestion here is not to reintroduce native into the Paria River, but simply into experimental ponds at the mouth

Gravel Pits

LF LaunchRamp

Flow

LF Road

NEEDS AND USES FOR PARIA MOUTH EXPERIMENAL PONDS

1. Ready access2. Excellent research opportunities3. Inexpensive4. Expendable / replaceable if high flows occur5. Low maintenance6. Relatively easy compliance7. Inconspicuous - minimal impact on visiting public8. Excellent public education and outreach opportunities9. May be a tool to restore native fish ranges where

HBC were formerly abundant

NEED TO DETERMINE: Sequence of actions, experimentsNumber of ponds = replicationDesign specifics

Paria

River Ponds

Shallows

Shallows

Deeper Area,with structure

ColoradoRiver inflow

Shallowgravels

To Paria River

RESEARCH POND DESIGN ELEMENTS

Gates

Gates

Pond Lining Footprint

20’

15’

Paria R inflow

Gate

RESEARCH TOPICS THAT MAY BE ADDRESSEDWITH SUITABLE EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

FOR HBC OR OTHER NATIVE FISH

1. Turbidity and predation2. Competition with native and non-native species at

different life stages3. Foodbase responses4. Thermal influences on growth5. In-system propagation6. Dispersal behavior of stock7. Other research topics

HOW TO MOVE FORWARD

Conduct a feasibility study, including compilation of background information

Develop pond and experimental design with appropriate collaborators (AGFD, USFWS, NPS)

Secure funding with participating organizationsConduct compliance (NPS, FWS, AGFD, SHPO, BLM)Develop and implement outreach programConduct pilot program on FMSUndertake an HBC rearing projectEvaluate, proceed with other spp, improve as indicated

How can RBT coexist with native fish in Shinumo Creek?

What is the role of competition across fish life stages?

Why is the foodbase in Tapeats Creek so different

OTHER FISHERIES QUESTIONS

50K

100K

150K

200K

Old Paria R. Gauge

New Paria R. Gauge

Lonely Dell Ranch

LF Gravel Pits

LF Launch Ramp

Paria River

Colorado R

iver