Endangered fish found in Salton Sea

From the U. S. Geological Survey:

Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have discovered a population of the endangered desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius)in constructed ponds along the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea, in south-central California. Preliminary estimates of more than 1,000 pupfish will need to be evaluated by a detailed survey that will be conducted as soon as the appropriate permits are obtained. Dr. Douglas Barnum, scientist with the USGS Salton Sea Science Office, called the discovery a “scientific windfall” that will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about this endangered species. Dr. Michael Saiki, fisheries biologist with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center’s Dixon Duty Station noted, “What’s significant about this discovery is the large number of pupfish we are seeing!”

The four constructed ponds are part of an experimental shallow habitat complex, completed in the Spring of 2006, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Imperial Irrigation District, and California Water Resources Control Board. The experiment is primarily designed to assess ecological risk from selenium on migratory birds using artificially created habitat blending water from the Alamo River and the Salton Sea.

To see the full text of this USGS Press Release, click here.

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