The Rio Grande silvery minnow (RGSM; Hybognathus amarus) was formerly one of the most widespread and abundant species in the Rio Grande basin in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Due to population declines resulting from the dewatering of portions of the Middle Rio Grande through water-regulation activities as well as habitat degradation, the RGSM is currently listed as endangered both federally and by the state of New Mexico, and is protected under the Endangered Species Act . The development of captive breeding and rearing facilities and restoration of riverine habitats that support the RGSM are considered to be essential components for recovery of the species (USFWS 1994; 2003a).

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proposes to construct a facility intended to supplement RGSM production in the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico. This facility, termed the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Sanctuary (Sanctuary), would be comprised of an artificial rearing and breeding channel, containing elements of the natural environment including backwater pools and eddies, located parallel to the MRG near the existing BioPark in the City of Albuquerque. The intent of this facility is to contribute to the continued enhancement and recovery of the RGSM through the creation of additional habitat for the species. Congress recently authorized the Secretary of the Interior to implement construction and operation of the Sanctuary (C. Gibson, pers. comm., 6/1/05). The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the City of Albuquerque are cooperating agencies. Agency scoping and technical meetings have occurred in 2004 and 2005.