Southern California Steelhead Voted For Endangered Status From Fish And Game Commission
One of California Trout’s many conservation projects has included a quest to help Southern California steelhead have endangered status in a quest to revive a once healthy run of anadromous fish. That project finally came to fruition recently during a recent California Fish and Game Commission meeting that designated Southern steelhead as an endangered species. Here’s more from the Los Angeles Times:
Conservation advocates said they hope the designation will accelerate efforts to save the fish and the aquatic ecosystems on which they depend.
“Historically, tens of thousands of these fish swam in Southern California rivers and streams,” said Sandra Jacobson, director of the South Coast region for California Trout, an organization that advocated for the listing.
“Their numbers have dipped dangerously low due to impacts from habitat loss, fragmentation and urbanization,” Jacobson said. “This landmark decision provides critically important protections for this iconic species.”
This is the California Fish and Game Commission’s official press release:
California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meeting
The California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources at its April 17-18, meeting in San Jose.
The Commission approved a major amendment with special conditions as recommended by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to an experimental fishing permit related to pop-up gear testing in the Dungeness and rock crab fisheries.
Several Private Land Management (PLM) areas were approved for five-year or annual plans and one area was approved for their initial plan. More information on the PLM Program, including lists for hunters and applications can be found on the Department’s PLM website.
The Commission voted unanimously to readopt, for an additional 90 days, emergency regulations for the recreational take of white sturgeon to support recovering populations and to track fishing pressure and success.
A unanimous vote confirmed the Commission’s determination that listing Southern California steelhead as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act is warranted. Findings for the determination will be adopted at a future meeting.
The Commission adopted proposed amendments to waterfowl and mammal hunting regulations, which are expected to be effective June 30, and July 1, respectively.
A unanimous vote confirmed the Commission’s determination to list the Mohave desert tortoise as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. Findings for the determination will be adopted at a future meeting.
The Commission also hosted several speakers to recognize the 100-year anniversary of the extirpation of California’s grizzly bear, including Chairman Octavio Escobedo III of the Tejon Indian Ranch. A resolution recognizing the anniversary was adopted by the Commission, and two commissioners plan to provide an updated version in the future for Commission consideration.
The Department’s Director, Chuck Bonham, also announced the release of a Black Bear Conservation Plan for California. The public comment period is open, and comments must be made by June 14, 2024.
Commission President Samantha Murray, Vice President Erika Zavaleta, Commissioner Eric Sklar and Commissioner Darius Anderson participated in-person and were joined by a variety of Commission and Department staff.
The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next California Fish and Game Commission meeting is scheduled for June 19-20, 2024, in Mammoth Lakes and via Zoom and phone. A location will be determined and updated on the Commission’s website soon.
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The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the policies and regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.
