|
Activity
Overview 2004 - 2008:
Our
research program began in 2004, focusing on the basic
ecology of taimen in the Eg-Uur system. The results
of this study will be used to determine the appropriate
scale for a concession system, and to provide other
critical information and management recommendations
for the conservation of taimen. Specifically, we will
address the following questions:
- What
are the migration and movement patterns of taimen?
- Where
are the sensitive habitats?
- What
are sustainable levels of taimen fishing?
- What
are the critical factors that limit their populations?
- Can
taimen be used as an indicator of ecosystem health?
- What
is the IUCN conservation status of taimen?
We
have assembled an interdisciplinary team focused on
the watershed management of this region. This project
will provide the basis for a research program in the
region based on adaptive management principles. It
will rely heavily on our collective expertise using
cutting-edge tools in ecology, fisheries sciences,
and natural resource management.
Activities
in 2004:
In
2004, TCF and the science team established an Erdenbulgan
field station, Eg-Uur satellite camp, initiated contact
with Sweetwater Travel, developed a Floy tagging program
with Sweetwater Travel clients, tested radio and acoustic
receivers, implanted both radio and acoustic tags,
collected DNA samples for genetic analysis, and conducted
preliminary surveys for radio tagged fish. The science
team conducted bi-monthly surveys of tagged taimen.
Preliminary surveys indicated that the receivers work
properly and that tagged fish can be detected in the
river at low to medium flows. Surveys were conducted
on both the Uur River and the Eg River and all tagged
fish were relocated except one.
Primary
activities in 2005:
- Taimen
spawning site surveys
- Taimen
critical habitat, movement, and home range
- Taimen
lengths, girths, tagging, location, and CPUE (in
conjunction with Sweetwater Travel)
- Taimen
life history including age/survival (using catch
histograms and opercles of dead fish) and surveys
for young fish
- Fish
community diversity and abundance (1 x spring, 1
x fall)
- Community-based
water quality monitoring
- Taimen
population model including estimates of poaching
mortality rates, catch and release mortality rates,
movement rates, and natural survival and mortality
- IUCN
Red List Assessment of taimen
In
addition the work listed above, we are also planning
the following activities:
- Construction
of a field station along the Eg-Uur River
- Underwater
photo and videography
- Outreach
and training
|
