Blue Sucker Tracking - Texas (2004-2007)

In October 2004 we implanted thirty Texas state endangered blue suckers (Cycleptus elongatus) with radio transmitters that we (Bio-West, Austin and Biotactic) monitored continuously for 3 years by air and by water.  Results from this study were used to interpret flow models for the Colorado River, Texas in relation to several variables including available fish habitat and critical habitat utilization patterns (e.g., spawning habitat).  Blue suckers were used to help illustrate the potential impacts of at least 50 years of future flow regulation and water diversion on fisheries in the Colorado River downstream from Austin.