Grand Canyon receives $258,000 from Inflation Reduction Act to safeguard native species

Grand Canyon National Park has received $258,000 from the Inflation Reduction Act to combat invasive species in the Colorado River and protect native fish populations. This project is part of a larger nationwide effort to restore natural habitats and address the impacts of climate change. The American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, has been experiencing a prolonged drought, leading to historically low water levels in Lake Powell. As the water level drops, the temperature of water coming through Glen Canyon Dam rises, creating favorable conditions for invasive species like smallmouth bass and green sunfish to breed and pass through the dam.

The presence of smallmouth bass is particularly concerning as it has caused significant declines in native fish populations upstream of Lake Powell. Scientists have warned that an established smallmouth bass population in the Grand Canyon could have severe consequences for threatened species like the humpback chub and endangered razorback suckers. Currently, the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is dominated by native fish species, but failure to act could result in a large-scale shift in fish populations as invasives take over.

To address this issue, fish biologists from Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon are working together to remove invasive species and monitor the Grand Canyon for signs of smallmouth bass invasion. Their efforts include chemical treatment of selected areas, electrofishing, and netting. The goal is to protect native species and maintain a stronghold for them in the face of rapid and significant changes in the river caused by climate change.

In the spring of 2023, Grand Canyon National Park initiated a new round of efforts to monitor and remove invasive fish species in a 23-mile stretch of the Colorado River. This project was funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and other sources. Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable emphasized that protecting native species is part of their responsibility as stewards of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. He stated that projects like these are just one of the many ways they uphold that responsibility, and the funding received makes their efforts possible.

As of August 2023, no smallmouth bass have been detected in the Grand Canyon. Fish biologists plan to continue their efforts to protect native species. These projects not only contribute to the restoration of healthy and resilient park lands but also provide much-needed funding to address critical ecosystem needs and benefit the surrounding communities.

In fiscal year 2023, several bills and Biden administration initiatives will provide $52 million to the National Park Service for projects related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs throughout the country.

Overall, the efforts to remove invasive species and protect native fish populations in the Grand Canyon are crucial for preserving the unique ecosystem of the Colorado River and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park.

Original Story at azdailysun.com – 2023-09-12 15:15:00