8legs: San francisco estuary partnership

#1 out of 1

California's Delta waters are in poor ecological health, scientists warn

The Delta is described as mostly in poor condition and declining in the latest estuary assessment.
Researchers link reduced freshwater flow and higher water pumping to ecological stress in Delta habitats.
Wet years, like 2023, allowed some fish to rebound locally near restored floodplains.
Wetland restoration has increased tidal marshes around San Francisco Bay to about 57,800 acres.
Despite gains, native fish numbers have declined over the past few decades.
California's Bay-Delta plan is under update to determine water withdrawals and flows.
Climate change is cited as intensifying droughts and altering precipitation in the West.
Lookout Slough restoration and other wetlands projects are cited as helping habitat.
The Delta’s tidal marsh area has risen from 8,000 to 13,000 acres in five years.
Experts call for better stewardship as protections have not fully reversed declines.
The Delta controversy intersects with plans for a water tunnel beneath the Delta.

Vote 0