Devils Hole Pupfish
Recovery Actions, March 9, 2006
The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service convened a science panel in December 2005 to develop a list of proposed actions that were presented to a recovery team. The recovery team prioritized this list of actions and provided recommendations to the Nevada Department of Wildlife Director, National Park Service Regional Director and the US Fish and Wildlife Service's California-Nevada Operations Manager on March 9, 2006. These managers are personally engaged in this issue and are committed to taking all possible actions to prevent the extinction of this species. These proposed actions included both long and short-term options and the ramifications and risks of those options.
The agencies involved in the recovery of the species are also committed to establishing a forum that will allow for public involvement in the recovery process and provide for better information sharing in the future.
- A public open-house occurred on March 30, 2006, at the Ruud Community Center, 7:00 p.m., in Pahrump, Nevada. This was an opportunity to learn about the Devils Hole pupfish, and the actions planned for their recovery. The public is encouraged to ask questions, and provide their input on the format of future public involvement.
- Increase the fish population at Hoover Dam Refuge
There were three refugia built to sustain a "backup" population of Devils Hole pupfish - one at Hoover Dam and two at Ash Meadows NWR (one near Point of Rocks and one near School Springs). The School Springs Refuge is no longer operational. The Point of Rocks Refuge population is no longer pure Devils Hole pupfish. Ash Meadows pupfish, native to the springs in this area, got into the refuge and have bred with the Devils Hole pupfish creating a hybridized fish. The Hoover Dam Refuge sustains the only other population of Devils Hole pupfish.
- Establish a set of subcommittees to provide recommendations in the areas of Propagation, Genetics, Habitat, and Monitoring. These committees will provide recommendations on the following refugia management actions: increasing the quantity and quality of spawning habitat at the Hoover Dam Refuge, relocating the hybridized fish at the Point of Rocks Refuge to a secure facility, and using the hybrid population to develop propagation and culturing techniques for Devils Hole pupfish and addressing habitat deficiencies and needs in Devils Hole.
- Expand security fence at Devils Hole
There has been a history of vandalism at Devils Hole over the years. The expansion of the existing fence will provide a greater level of protection.
- Design a new refuge at School Springs to simulate the environmental conditions of Devils Hole
- Continue to monitor adult and larval fish populations at Devils Hole through surface and diving counts.
September 28, 2012