[env-trinity] SF Chronicle Editorial Native Fish to Extinction

[Byron Leydecker]

 <http://www.sfgate.com/columns/editorials/archive/> Chronicle Editorials

New report shows peril to California fish

Thursday, November 20, 2008

 

						
 

A downward slide showing dozens of native freshwater fish fading to
extinction may not bother Californians who never see a tumbling mountain
stream or deep-blue lake.

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New report shows peril to California fish 11.20.08 

But a report on the declining numbers makes a bigger point: fresh, clean
water is in short supply for fish, and it's needed by humans, too. 

At first glance, the two-year study by California Trout is all about fish.
Of 31 trout, salmon and steelhead species, 65 percent are headed toward
extinction this century.

Like redwoods, deserts and seashores, these native fish are icons of the
state and deserve protection. This heritage must be protected, the
organization rightly argues in the 350-page report researched by a team that
included Dr. Peter Moyle, a UC Davis professor of fish biology.

A combination of factors - farming, timber practices, development and harsh
weather brought on by global warming - is the culprit. Water is siphoned
off, dirtied or blocked behind dams. The flows that are left are sluggish
and warm, unsuitable for wild fish.

So far, the state's official answer is a feeble one: a Fish and Game
department saddled with increasing duties and a declining budget. As one
example, there are 100 fewer game wardens today compared with 2000. These
outdoor cops do more than check fishing licenses. They spot illegal water
diversions and activities that damage streambeds needed for fish spawning. 

With a state budget deficit predicted at $28 billion over the next 18
months, it may be foolish to wish for miracles. But an agreement last week
holds out hope for removing four dams and restoring fish-friendly flows on
the Klamath River. Also, the San Joaquin River is in line for major
restoration. The report suggests pushing these plans further via a slice of
the sales tax or user fees if the political will is there. 

There are convincing reasons to safeguard the state's native fish from
extinction. But maybe the best reason of all is that by saving these ancient
species, California is also saving itself. 

 

 

Byron Leydecker, JCT

Chair, Friends of Trinity River

PO Box 2327

Mill Valley, CA 94942-2327

415 383 4810

415 519 4810 cell

 <mailto:bwl3 at comcast.net> bwl3 at comcast.net

 <mailto:bleydecker at stanfordalumni.org> bleydecker at stanfordalumni.org
(secondary)

 <http://fotr.org> http://fotr.org 

 

 

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