News Release Archive

Unanticipated surge in minnow population prompts new discussion on estimates

Media Contact: Mary Perea , 505-462-3576, mperea@uc.usbr.gov

For Release: August 04, 2005

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - An unexpected surge in the population of the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow has sparked the need to reevaluate the estimated number of fish that may be lost in a year while still protecting the species.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) agreed in 2003 to an estimated incidental take of 760 adult minnows per year. This number was based on a much lower population than exists today. The Endangered Species Act authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the incidental take, which is the estimated number of the fish that may perish yearly.

Reclamation and the Corps have requested reinitiation of formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act specific to the estimated level of incidental take.

According to salvage numbers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 300,000 minnows were saved from the Rio Grande in the first few months of 2005 compared to 714 for the entire year in 2003.

While these estimated numbers are extremely positive for the minnow, Reclamation and the Corps anticipate that even while meeting water flows and other measures, the take estimate may be exceeded sometime soon because of this unanticipated population increase.

A variety of conservation measures, guided by careful monitoring, have ensured that this number has not currently been exceeded.

"The Bureau of Reclamation is encouraged by the surge in the minnow population," said Jack Garner, Area Manager of Reclamation's Albuquerque Area Office. "We will continue to work with all of our partners in the valley to ensure that the needs for the minnow are met."

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