News Release Archive

Endangered Fish Species Display Opens in Yuma

Media Contact: Jack Simes , 928-343-8334, jsimes@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: June 14, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation's Yuma Area Office recently partnered with the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Fishery Resources Office in Parker, Arizona, to introduce the public in the Yuma area to three endangered fish species found in the lower Colorado River.

These fish -- the Bonytail Chub, Arizona Razorback Sucker, and Desert Pupfish -- are on display in aquariums at the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, located at 201 N. 4th Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85364. Interactive display panels near the aquariums also offer details about the fishes' origins and history in the lower Colorado River Basin.

These fish were once common in this region, but with the changing nature of the river -- due to the impact of large dams, introduced sport fishes, and other developments -- their populations have significantly declined. Today, they're protected by Federal law and are the focus of a multi-agency effort to sustain and expand their dwindling populations.

If anyone catches one of these fishes while recreational fishing, you are asked to immediately place it back in the river.

For more information about this display, contact the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park at 928-329-0471.

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