E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 

Green Sunfish Rapid Respons

Non-native Fish Control 

in 

Glen Canyon National Recreation 

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 

Lisa Winters AGFD 
E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 

Partners! 

•Volunteers
E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
GSF - Background

 In July 2015, AGFD discovered an unusually large numb

nonnative Green Sunfish in a large backwater in the Lees Reach – 43 fish, compared to 7 in previous decades in threach. 

 Partner agency biologists agreed that elimination of this i

species from the backwater sloughs is necessary and urgto the risk of negative interactions with native fish, particuHumpback Chub if GSF disperse downstream in large nu

 Two subsequent removal trips using electrofishing, seinin

trapping, methods consistent with the Comprehensive FisManagement Plan (CFMP), failed to deplete the populatiodespite removing over 3000 fish. 

 Agency biologists conferred and agreed that these metho

not likely to successfully eradicate this species. 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
GSF - Background 

 Potential methods to eradicate Green Sunfish f

Glen Canyon that were considered include mechanical approaches like electrofishing, nettconcussive methods and chemical treatments spiscicides or carbon dioxide 

 While additional methods of removal and contr

considered, an immediate need to contain the GSunfish was recognized. 

 On Oct 7, biologists from NPS and AGFD cons

and installed a large block net at the downstreaof the main slough to minimize escapement of Sunfish until a more complete removal can be effected. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
Temporary Block Net 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 

TempoBlock 
GSF and HFE

 Agency Biologists agreed that chemical treatments prov

greatest likelihood of success (Risk Assessment - Ward 

 High level of planning and State and Federal regulatory 

compliance is necessary before initiating treatment – timprocess. 

 Slough becomes flowing side channel at flows between 

and 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs); The temporary bwill not be adequate to contain the Green Sunfish if the schannel begins to flow. 

 Eradication of GSF is necessary to eliminate the risk of d

and subsequent establishment of this harmful nonnative Colorado River or any of its tributaries in Grand Canyon an HFE. 

 HFE not recommended for November 2015 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
Chemical Piscicide Treatment: 

Rotenone  Only method that can achieve complete eradic Not size selective  Only registered piscicide in USA (EPA requirem Long established and important tool in fisheries 

management 

 FAQs developed by Arizona, available on webs http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/rotenone.shtml 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
 Rotenone is derived from an extract of certain 

in the family Legumosinae (beans) 

 Degrades quickly in the environment  Can be detoxified by potassium permanganat

(KMnO4 ) which is also used to purify water in 

water treatment systems 

 Would not harm Wildlife and Birds if consume Would not harm plants 

Proposed Chemical Piscicide Treatment: Rotenone 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
Processes and Permits 

 AGFD permit to apply rotenone 

 Requires State Certified Applicator 

 Arizona DEQ  NEPA compliance – NPS action – GCNRA 

 NPS leadership determined that Categorical Ex

was appropriate 

 “NPS 2015 NEPA Handbook 3.3(C)(2): Restora

noncontroversial native species into suitable hawithin their historic range and elimination of exspecies. 

 Numerous other permits and processes  Detailed Implementation Plan  TIMELINE (Proposed) E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
Detailed Implementation Plan 

 Documentation for CE, FWS, AZ permits  Public communications plan  Public and worker Safety Plan  Logistics  Detailed Treatment Plan  Protect Human Health, Wildlife and Livestock  Tribal Consultations  Mitigative Measures 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R 
Proposed DIP - Timeline 

 Pre-Treatment Oct 27-29 

 Pre-treatment population estimate 

 Allows scientific evaluation of mechanical removal efficacy 

efficacy 

 Remove as many fish as possible 

 Return non-target fish to the river alive  Provide Green Sunfish to Pueblo of Zuni for beneficial use 

 Two Treatments Necessary 

 To allow fertilized fish eggs to hatch after first treatm November 2-6 and November 12-16 

 Day 1 travel, pre treatment safety meetings  Day 2 project set up, Install turbidity curtain, bioassays  Day 3 Application  Day 4 Detoxification  Day 5 Detox and cleanup E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R  Day 6+ monitoring of water and soil until chemical level bac
Turbidity Curtain 

 Impermeable  Floats on top edge  Heavy chain at 

bottom 

 Anchored to 

shoreline 

 Minimize exchange 

of water from slough to river 

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R