Colorado Pikeminnow Reintroduction Campaign
About
Our goal through this campaign is to help spread awareness of the Colorado pikeminnow and educate community members on how the reintroduction of this native predator to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon can help to stabilize the ecosystem within the river without harming current populations of native fish. We work toward this goal by attending/hosting educational events, giving talks and presentations, and trying to get others involved in the campaign to further extend our reach and impact.
What is a Colorado pikeminnow?
The Colorado pikeminnow was once the top predator in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, but has been extirpated (locally extinct) from the region since the ‘70s. Overfishing and the implementation of dams have dramatically altered the pikeminnow’s natural habitat and reduced its migration range. The Colorado pikeminnow is a member of the minnow family, which does not refer to its size, but rather that it does not have teeth. This fish can actually grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 80 pounds.
Events
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Teaching children about the importance of native ecosystems and native species while they paint a life-size pikeminnow.
Science on Tap
This event featured USGS scientist David Ward as he gave a presentation on Colorado pikeminnow and other fish native to Grand Canyon. He also discussed the problem of invasive fish and increased competition in the river. David used live fish in his presentation!
Grand Canyon River Guides Training Seminar
We had the opportunity to spread awareness of our campaign to river guides, scientists, and activists, many of which have an intimate knowledge of the river and were able to provide valuable feedback and opinions on pikeminnow reintroduction.
Grand Canyon Earth Day
Tabling at Grand Canyon to promote Colorado Pikeminnow reintroduction and discuss the positive impacts that its reintroduction could have on other management decisions regarding Grand Canyon and its wildlife.
Contact Us
If you want to know more about our campaign, or get involved yourself, please to reach out to us!
Jordyn Williamson — jaw626@nau.edu
Haile Nelson — hailebnelson@gmail.com