Apache Trout- Genetic Status

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded a cooperative agreement to the University of Arizona (UA) for genetic research on Apache Trout. The contract, identified as CTR079884, focuses on conducting genetic analyses of fin clip samples collected from the West Fork Little Colorado River. Specifically, the project involves processing 188 fin clips from 32 sampling sites to determine the genetic purity of Apache Trout and verify previous genetic testing results from the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center.

The contract is valued at up to $13,000, funded through a State Wildlife Grant (SWG-21 Implementation Grant), with a performance period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The University of Arizona will deliver a comprehensive final technical report by June 1, 2026, which will provide critical insights to support future management strategies for Apache Trout conservation. The collaborative effort involves coordination between the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the University of Arizona, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach to wildlife research and preservation.