Endangered Species Protections- Confronting Delta Stressors

Photo Rights: CDFW Subject: Chinook SalmonImproving the health of protected fish species requires fishery managers to confront the many stressors that are threatening their existence.  Though for years scientists have warned of the need to address the array of threats, State and federal management strategies have focused disproportionate attention and resources on the effects of water supply projects.  For more than 20 years, millions of acre-feet of water and billions of dollars have been thrown at “the problem”, and yet the outcome today has never been worse – for people or the fish we aim to protect.  To successfully confront the serious threats to endangered species posed by a broad array of stressors, we must implement comprehensive and sustained management efforts.

The April 17 announcement by the California Fish and Game Commission is a welcome step towards more comprehensive solutions.  By approving measures that protect endangered fish both in the ocean and in their river spawning habitat, CFGC is meeting a critical need by focusing on a few of the many threats to protected fish.  While prompted by our current drought crisis, scientists have been telling us more is needed, that the broadened aim and creativity behind this management effort should be sustained.