We propose to implement a demonstration project at multiple nfhs to independently manage propagation and reintroduction activities for a suite of priority federally listed fish at various stages along…

This Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Recovery Implementation program (CFDA 15.657) provides $234,256 in funding to Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI) to implement a 3-year demonstration project. The project aims to transition priority endangered fish propagation and reintroduction activities from CFI to National Fish Hatcheries (NFHs) in the Southeast region. This will increase the capacity of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state partners to recover and restore native aquatic species, including the bluemask darter, boulder darter, duskytail darter, leopard darter, pearl darter, peppered shiner, and spotfin chub. Key activities include transferring knowledge and skills from CFI to the NFHs, expanding programmatic capabilities to meet existing and future needs, and advancing the recovery trajectories for the target species through propagation, reintroduction, and population monitoring. Deliverables over the 3-year project period include broodstock collection, captive propagation, reintroduction efforts, and the establishment of a multi-state Section 6 rare fish recovery program at CFI.

We propose to implement a demonstration project at multiple nfhs to independently manage propagation and reintroduction activities for a suite of priority federally listed fish at various stages along their recovery trajectories (critically endangered, improving, and nearing recovery). We are requesting funds that will enable the transfer of knowledge, skill, and ability from CFI to the nfhs, and if successful could be replicated at throughout the southeast and other regions. In addition to leveraging existing resources available within the service, this proposal will increase capacity to conserve endangered species in cooperation with the states.activities:(1) transition priority propagation activities from CFI to nfhs to increase services ability to recover and restore native aquatic species and ecosystems that are threatened or endangered. (2) transition cfis operations from a project-by-project approach to a programmatic framework. (3) expand our collective ability to meet existing and future project needs by connecting species needs with current or developing USFWS capacities. (4) advance the recovery trajectory for multiple species (i.e., bluemask darter, boulder darter, duskytail darter leopard darter, pearl darter, peppered shiner, and spotfin chub).deliverables: year 1 (10 01 2024 - 09 30 2025) CFI collects broodstock from MS and transport individuals to cfis facility. CFI hires and trains biologist in broodstock collection, propagation, and reintroduction, and population monitoring techniques. Partnering states identify focal species for multi-state S6 rare fish program at CFI. CFI assists with erwin NFH equipment setup.year 2 (10 01 2025 - 9 30 2026) CFI biologist hired in year 1 is deployed to DH NFH. Migrate barrens topminnow operations to DH NFH production and stocking of individuals initiate genetic tracking. Migrate spotfin chub operations to erwin NFH production and stocking of individuals. Additional space and increased propagation of duskytail darter sustained space for leopard darter additional space to develop peppered shiner culture techniques at CFI. DH NFH t e facility expansion and readiness for intake of second species. Shift S6 funding supporting from target species moving to nfhs to provide long-term support for state hatchery priority 1 propagation translocation recovery activities. Multi-state S6 rare fish program at CFI @ 10% match rate for participating states.year 3 (10 01 2026 - 9 30 2027) nfhs demonstrate independent ability to collect broodstock, captively propagate, reintroduce, and monitor target species, and production of live foods for larval feeding. Migrate boulder darter operations to DH NFH production and stocking of individuals. Implementation of a multi-state section 6 programs to support rare fish recovery at CFI. Complete DH NFH t e facility set-up and design formal education outreach center.annually CFI provides captively propagated individuals of target species for reintroduction. CFI refines documents propagation protocols for target species (including the production of live foods for larval feeding) in partnership w NFH and esfo biologists. CFI mentor(s) conduct at least one site visit annually to each partnering NFH. Partnering esfos and nfhs will aid CFI in broodstock collection, reintroduction, and inventory monitoring surveys for target species. Fish health screening for target species at warm spring NFH as needs arise. Partners include this project as part of their education and outreach programs targeting approximately 75,000 visitors annually across partnering hatcheries. Partnering nfhs and CFI will provide reports to partnering esfos by december 31.beneficiaries: dale hallow, erwin, private j OHN allen, warn springs NFH, CFI and FWS.