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Southwest Region The Southwestern Region bridges the diverse lands, waters, and people of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Complex organisms inhabiting regional waters are culturally and economically significant to the American public. The range of aquatic habitats and species is extensive and requires specialized management by a dedicated team of biologists and supporting workforce. The vision of the Service and its Fisheries Program is working with partners to restore and maintain fish and other aquatic resources at self-sustaining levels and for the benefit of the American public. Our work falls into seven primary focal areas key to our vision for the Fisheries Program and is an expression of what we strive to achieve for the benefit of the American public. Follow the links in the left navigation to learn more about these focal areas.
Currents is our quarterly newsletter highlighting activities throughout the Southwest conducted by Fisheries personnel.
Recent Events San Juan River Restoration ProjectSix miles of critical habitat for endangered Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker along the San Juan River was recently restored with funding from a $400,000 grant from the New Mexico Environment Department’s River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative. The Nature Conservancy administered the funds and coordinated restoration activities with the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Navajo Nation and the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program. See more Gila Trout Rescue from Whitewater-Baldy Complex wildfireGila trout that were evacuated from Whiskey Creek on June 16, 2012, due to imminent danger from ash and sediment flows caused by the Whitewater – Baldy Complex fire, are being housed in tanks at the New Mexico Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The behavior and condition of the trout is being monitored with submersed cameras. The trout are doing well and appear to have an appetite. The food in the videos consists of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Crickets, mealworms, and pellet will round out the rest of their diet while held in captivity. The fish are being cared for in a system that mimics natural lighting, cover, and substrate. Currently there are 79 Gila trout in this system. This video shows Gila trout that seem to have had their fill and a Sonora sucker then has his turn feeding. Desert and Sonora suckers were added with the Gila trout to help keep the tanks clean and minimize food waste building up on the bottom. This one seems to be doing its job! The Sonora and desert suckers are a part of the Gila fish community and naturally coexist with the Gila trout. Program Contact Mike Oetker |
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"Conserving the Nature of America"
Last updated: September 11, 2012
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