MRG RGSM Spawning and Egg Monitoring

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, is seeking to address the reproductive monitoring needs of the federally endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) due to significant environmental impacts on desert rivers in the American Southwest. These impacts stem from physical modifications such as dams and reservoirs that disrupt river habitats and flow regimes, leading to population declines in upstream areas. The monitoring is essential for compliance with the 2016 Final Biological and Conference Opinion, which mandates RGSM reproductive monitoring and assessment. Work Details The contractor will provide data collection services for RGSM that will characterize the timing, duration, and magnitude of RGSM reproduction in the Middle Rio Grande. This includes: 1. Monitoring spawning by collecting data to assess temporal differences in spawning effort; 2. Sampling at three locations during the spawning season to detect spawning events; 3. Coordinating with US Fish and Wildlife Service and other entities conducting egg collection operations; 4. Assisting in salvaging eggs for relocation within river sections; 5. Potentially providing eggs for propagation at facilities like Albuquerque BioPark; 6. An optional task involving the use of a Moore Egg Collector (MEC) boat to record egg numbers and water temperatures, subject to government approval. Period of Performance The estimated period of performance is 5 years, which includes a base year plus four one-year option years. Place of Performance New Mexico (Middle Rio Grande)