Use of native in control

Collaboration Efforts in Utilization of the Endangered Gila Topminnow for Mosquito Larva Control in Confined Bodies of Water

Arizona 2018 Vector Conference, Mesa, 26 April 2018 Mosquito control

Pesticides Bti Water

Gila topminnow Mosquito control

mosquitofish Pesticides Bti Water

Sonoyta pupfish Mosquitofish problems

 Biggest threat to native topminnows  Predation and harassment  Competition  Disease mosquitofish  Parasites  Ecosystem change Native fish for vector control

 Gila Topminnow - occidentalis  Desert Pupfish – Cyprinodon macularius

 Yaqui topminnow – P. sonoriensis  Rio Sonoyta pupfish – C. eremus Conservation Benefit

 Precluding the use, and subsequent continued spread of mosquitofish Desert pupfish

 Opportunities for outreach and education on the plight of Arizona’s native fish are tremendous INTEREST

 Pima & Pinal Counties  Natural resources  Health Department  Individual landowners  USBR  Urban ecologists  Water gardeners  Native Nations Obstacles/processes/paths

 Unlisted vs. listed  State requirements  NEPA  Federal nexus and ESA section 7  Section 10  Safe Harbor Agreements  Habitat Conservation Plans Topminnow Safe Harbor Agreement and County Vector Control Agencies

Arizona 2018 Vector Conference Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) – a voluntary agreement involving private or other non-federal property owners whose actions contribute to the recovery of species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). How?

• Enrollment of County properties and facilities under the SHA

• Extension of coverage of the SHA to any properties whose owners agree to allow Gila Topminnow for mosquito control, or to property that the courts deem a public health risk (issue a warrant)

• Provide coverage as an “Agent of the Department” to hold topminnow at County facility, transport and stock them under our 10(a)(1)(A) permit Advantages of Using a SHA:

• Prevent the spread of mosquito-borne disease and Mosquitofish, while still providing a more “natural” option in the case where fish are appropriate

• Provides participants assurances for continued land use without negative consequences

• Allows Take and return to Baseline (“Zero” fish)without any negative consequences

• Increase public awareness and education about our native Historic Range and Expected Area to Implement:

Gila and Yaqui River Basins; unconnected/isolated waters

Gila River Drainage

# Yaqui River Quitobaquito Drainage Spring

Geographic Area covered under this Agreement

Use of Topminnow should focus on properties in urban and suburban areas, but not necessarily to the exclusion of other areas --- Examples of contained and isolated waters for stocking: backyard ponds and water features; possibly city and county parks; schoolyard ponds; stock tanks; residential “green pools” Requirements for SHA County Cooperators:

• Enrollment in SHA • Coverage under Department 10(a)(1)(A) Permit • Aquatic Stocking permits • Holding Facilities • Legal Process • Record-keeping • Monitoring • Reporting Annual Reporting: • Date

• Source

• Personnel conducting the stocking

• Address

• UTMs

• Property Owner

• Water Source

• Verification (Closed System)

• Notes Net Conservation Benefits:

 Provide refuge populations of topminnow as source for future stocking needs

 Reduce the need to stock non-native, invasive mosquitofish for vector control

 Increase public awareness and education on native fishes and endangered species recovery efforts  Educate the public, easing and eliminating unfounded fears. Pima County Health Department

Vector Control

Mosquito Program

Utilizing Gila Topminnow

215 Gallons of Aquaria and 500 Topminnows

Permits are required for transportation and placement of Gila Topminnows on properties with contained bodies of water.

Signage is posted to notify property owners/neighbors that the green pool has been treated with Topminnows. Pinal County Environmental Health

Vector Control Activities

Surveillance (April 1 – Oct 31) Abatement Outbreak Response Focus on Integrated Pest Management

 IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. (From UC-IPM)  The use of native fishes, such as Gila topminnow and Desert Pupfish takes advantage of their ability to control mosquitoes, while providing an opportunity for minimizing potential environmental impact. Demonstrating their use and ability as an effective and ecologically friendly control measure is a first step in changing the paradigm of using fish for mosquito control in the Desert southwest. Timeline

 December 2016 – Contacted AZGFD regarding potential to use native fishes for Vector Control.  Jan 2017 – Toured ASU Fish holding/rearing facility and became partner in project.  Spring 2017 – Constructed mosquito laboratory, including outdoor space for a fish holding/rearing facility. This delayed our process but was necessary.  Summer 2017 – Determined old (mosquitofish) equipment non functional.  Fall 2017 – Obtained and set up new tank and filter  Current – just obtained approval from BOS to sign Safe Harbor Agreement and enter a partnership with USFWS and AZGFD. Aquaculture Tank and Filtration Next Steps…

 Once Safe Harbor Agreement is finalized by USFWS and AZGFD.

 Obtain Gila topminnow and establish a healthy, self sustaining population.

 Policies and procedures for use of Gila topminnow in vector control activities.

 Use in locations such as green swimming pools and household ponds/fountains.

 Use of warrants for abandoned property.

 Monitoring and follow up activities.

 Put fish to work!

 Public Messaging.

 Establish a public display at County Public Health facility.  Continuous Improvement.

 i.e. Evaluate potential vector control uses of Desert Pupfish.