Muddy River Fisheries Surveys

BIO-WEST has been evaluating the size, distribution, and permanence of native fish populations both below and (most recently) above the Wells-Siding Diversion on the lower Muddy River in Nevada. During previous monitoring efforts, fish populations were found to be predominantly composed of nonnative species, but in 2003, 18 Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda) were found immediately below the diversion, which stimulated a comprehensive sampling effort. BIO-WEST used seines, hoop nets, minnow traps, and backpack electrofishing for these efforts. BIO-WEST also evaluated stream discharge and temperature as indicators of habitat suitability for the permanence of native fish populations in this reach. Most recently this effort was expanded to the upper portions of the Muddy River, which constitutes the most complete and holistic sampling of this system since historical collections were made in the 1960s and 1970s.

Muddy River Fisheries Surveys

BIO-WEST was contracted by the Southern Nevada Water Authority to evaluate the distribution and permanence of native fish populations below the Wells-siding Diversion on the Muddy River in Nevada. In previous monitoring efforts, fish populations were found to be predominantly comprised of nonnative species, but 18 Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda) were found immediately below the diversion in 2003, which stimulated this comprehensive sampling effort to assess the distribution and ecology of native and nonnative fishes including Virgin River chub and Moapa speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus moapae). BIO-WEST is using seines, hoop nets, minnow traps, and backpack electrofishing for these efforts. We also evaluated stream discharge and temperature as indicators of habitat suitability for the permanence of native fish populations. These surveys represent some of the most complete and holistic investigative efforts on the Muddy River fish community to date.