Why Flooded Rice Fields Are Helping Reinvigorate Central Valley Salmon

The ongoing fish vs. farmers battles that have become a political talking point in California for just how water should be allocated in the state have found some common ground via a new Here’s more from CBS Sacramento:

Researchers say winter flooded rice fields in the Central Valley can provide critical habitat for young salmon, giving them a stronger start on their journey to the ocean.

“Numbers have been pretty low the past few years,” said Brett Galyean with the Coleman National Fish Hatchery. “Fishing hasn’t been open. So we’re partnering with folks to try different rearing techniques.”

Researchers say the flooded rice fields can act like natural wetlands, similar to the floodplains that existed more than 100 years ago. 

At Knaggs Ranch, located just outside of Woodland, a truck will release more than 300,000 baby salmon into this flooded rice field.

The hope is that closed fishing seasons in 2023 and 2024 and very limited inland opportunities last year will help increase dwindling numbers of salmon.