Scientists find ‘salmon of the southwest’ in San Juan River

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) – A fish that federal officials say was once widely known as the “salmon of the southwest” is showing signs of recovering its diminished population in the San Juan River basin.

The Farmington Daily Times (http://bit.ly/2tzGbHu ) reported Monday scientists say they have found evidence the Colorado pikeminnow is reproducing in the San Juan River, and the offspring are surviving.

This conclusion is based on data gathered last year following the spring peak release from Navajo Dam.

A release by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Services says scientists found more Colorado pikeminnow in the San Juan River than in previous years. They also found 23 yearling fish. Prior to last year, only one juvenile fish had been caught by scientists since work began in the 1990s to restore habitat.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

7/22/2017 1:28:53 PM (GMT -6:00)