Calif. Lawmakers Propose Delta Smelt Hatchery

[Scott V]

From CBS13: Two California lawmakers are sponsoring a proposal that would create a hatchery to breed a threatened fish that's native to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Last summer, federal and state water authorities were ordered to reduce the amount of water they pump through the delta to protect the dwindling population of delta smelt.

Assemblyman Dean Florez and Sen. Darrell Steinberg say those cuts might not be needed if the Department of Fish and Game can boost the fish's numbers by breeding it in its habitat.

Large farming coalitions say the plan will help restore the smelt while protecting water supplies for crops.




Not sure what to think of this one, it looks like the farmers are saying the only thing that is threatened by water pumping is the smelt, what about the other fish that are harmed.

[Darian]

Someone once said, "beware of Greeks Bearing gifts." This is a time to beware of a solution that says we'll breed a species that's endangered and protected in captivity (hatcheries) and then we won't have to reduce the amount of water being pumped south. :? :? If you believe that the Delta Smelt is the only fish living in the Delta and the only one imperiled by the pump operations, then this is the bill for you (or the San joaquin agri-business welfare queens). :? :?

On the other hand, if you'd like to see Salmon, Steelhead, Striped Bass, Shad and a host of other species survive in the Delta, this bill will do nothing to solve that problem. Availability of water flows to the Delta, consistent with natures needs, is the answer. Saving one species at the expense of all others is just like giving a gift with one hand and taking it back with the other. I'm amazed that Darrel Steinberg would be a part of this. A pox on all politicians houses. :x :x :x

[Darian]

Hmmm,.... Unable to locate anything resembling the described bill under authors names.... :? :? Maybe it'll be in the hopper tomorrow.... :? :?

[Mike McKenzie]

It just goes to show us that there is no limit to political imagination when it come to preserving the Hog trough. However, when it comes to solving real problems (especially ones they create in the first place)
most politicians are sadly lacking!! Delta Smelt hatcheries will end up saving the Smelt about as well as hatcheries have "saved" Salmon! Insanity still reigns in Sacratomato!!

Mike

[Mrs.Finsallaround]

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9006616

It's in a bunch of papers, EXCEPT the Sacramento Bee... Just search for "Delta Smelt Hatcheries"....

[Darian]

I've looked under Florez name and by subject and don't find a bill dealing with the subject of hatcheries or Delta Smelt. :? :? :? Maybe he's just trolling to see if there's any interest before submitting his proposal. :? :? Lotsa negative comments so far. The only positive comments I saw were from Westlands Water District Mgmt. :lol: :lol:

[Darian]

OK,.... Finally found the press release for this bit of legislation:

"Plan hatched to save Delta smelt from extinction
Friday, April 18, 2008 at 4:20 PM
For Immediate Release Jennifer Hanson
April 18, 2008 W:916-651-4016/C:916-798-0741

Plan hatched to save Delta smelt from extinction

Win-win proposal would offset need for drastic water cuts that threaten food prices, air quality

FRESNO – Valley leaders will hold a news conference in Fresno on Monday morning to unveil a historic proposal to help restore the diminishing Delta smelt population without drastic cuts in annual water usage that could translate to higher grocery prices at a time Californians can least afford them.

Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter, will be joined by local water leaders as he rolls out the Delta Smelt Preservation and Restoration Act, which would be established under Senate Bill 994.

The Act would call for the Department of Fish and Game, in consultation with the University of California and Department of Water Resources, to create a Delta Smelt Hatchery Program focused on creating a large, sustainable population of Delta smelt, which currently faces the very real threat of extinction.

A federal judge ruled last year that water deliveries to Southern California communities and westside agricultural operations be dramatically reduced to protect the Delta smelt. The two-to-three inch fish is considered a critical bellwether for the overall health of the Delta. The federal rulings have led to dire predictions of a 30% cut in water deliveries and the need to implement drought measures in many California cities.

Such drastic cuts in water deliveries would require increased pumping of groundwater for irrigation, leading to an increase in the amount of diesel fuel needed to run groudwater pumps. This would raise both the cost of food grown in California and the level of harmful pollutants in the air.

For more than 15 years, researchers have bred smelt in captivity. Their research has led to the discovery that, under the right conditions, smelt can breed more than once a year and live beyond their expected one-year lifespan. Unfortunately, these researchers have lacked the resources to replicate their findings on a large enough scale to replenish a Delta smelt population that has been in decline for years.

“We have a real opportunity to protect the long-term viability of this critical species without increasing emissions and causing California consumers greater financial pain to feed their families,” Florez said, adding, “That is a win-win solution that should be a common goal for all sides.”

Under SB 994, DFG, DWR and UC would identify suitable locations for construction and operation of Delta smelt hatcheries and build at least one such hatchery by January of 2011. Costs of the program would be picked up by large water users, with the ultimate goal of restoring and preserving the Delta smelt.

*** MEDIA ADVISORY *** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

WHO: Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter, and Valley water leaders

WHAT: News conference announcing Delta Smelt Preservation and Restoration Act

WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2008; 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Fresno City Hall, Room 2120 South; 2600 Fresno Street; Fresno, CA 93721"

Appears self explanatory. Haven't reviewed the bill (SB 994), yet. Gotta gove it some thought first. 8) 8) 8)

[Darian]

Went to the Legislative website to review this bill and found that SB 994 deals with horse racing.... Huh :?: :?: :? :? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Who's on first :?: :?: Anyway, the bill is a two year, placeholder. These type of bills are the ones to watch closest. Whatever Florez and Steinberg have in mind will undoubtedly be amended into the bill on the last timely day available. Thereby insuring a reduced amount of time for analysis and response. :roll: :roll: :roll: