L.A. Times On Potential New Water Rules That Could Further Impact Struggling Fish

Fall-run chinook salmon in the American River just below the Nimbus Hatchery in Gold River, California on November 18, 2023. (CDFW Photo/Travis VanZant)

California’s contentious water allocation wars aren’t providing much hope for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River’s already struggling fish species like salmon. The Los Angeles Times weighed in on new diversion plans from California Governor Gavin Newsom and the President Biden administration that has the conservation and environmental sector concerned about the long-term effects on fish via sending more water to Central Valley farmers.

Here’s a sample from Times’ reporter Ian James’ piece:

As the preferred proposal is laid out in a federal draft environmental review, the new rules “would make things worse,” said Jon Rosenfield, science director for the group San Francisco Baykeeper.

“We are deeply concerned that six endangered species in the Bay Delta are on the verge of extinction or headed in that direction,” Rosenfield said.

The rules under revision govern dams, aqueducts and pumping plants in California’s two main water systems, the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, which deliver water to millions of acres of farmland and more than 25 million people. Pumping to supply farms and cities has contributed to the ecological degradation of the Delta, where threatened and endangered fish species include steelhead trout, two types of Chinook salmon, longfin smelt, Delta smelt and green sturgeon.

With a polarizing and potentially violence-inciting Presidential election looming, whoever wins the White House bid will likely sway the issue one way or the other. But many are disappointed with the trend that state and federal officials have suggested in recent years.