Recent observations by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) personnel have noted a number of changes along the Pecos River in east central New Mexico that may signal a fundamental decline in habitat quality for the federally listed Pecos bluntnose shiner (shiner). To evaluate trends in fluvial geomorphology, and thus shiner habitat conditions, an in-depth and comprehensive study, including system hydrology, is needed. The Service seeks to describe trends of geomorphic change of the Pecos River and determine plausible alternatives for river operations. Study goals include the evaluation of previously collected field data, analysis of geomorphic changes, review of effects of hydrologic and geomorphic change on shiner habitat, and evaluate egg /larval retention (nursery habitat) in upstream reaches. These assessments will also greatly inform an additional goal of evaluating future restoration sites and their design.
