Science Institute Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Science-Institute/NewsSurveying the Sacramento River and Deltahttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Science-Institute/News/surveying-the-sacramento-river-and-delta1Wildlife ResearchTue, 07 Mar 2017 16:28:40 GMTHow CDFW uses a combination of scientific techniques to better understand fish populations and the general health of Northern California waterways. (video)<p>Since 1959 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has used a combination of scientific techniques to better understand fish populations and the general health of Northern California waterways. Examples include tagging sturgeon, trawling the Delta for smelt, and counting salmon carcasses. CDFW uses data from these strategies and others to help influence operations of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project, ultimately helping decision makers determine water flows. <a href="https://youtu.be/cHNMZoR0UmI" target="_blank"><img src="/portals/0/Images/Shared/new-window-icon.gif" alt="link opens in new window" />This short video</a> highlights these operations along the Sacramento River and into the Delta, including a smelt survey conducted by Environmental Scientist Felipe la Luz.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="/Portals/0/Images/Science_institute/LaLuz-vidcap-3-LR.jpg" style="margin: 15px; border: 6px solid #eeeeee; border-radius: 5px;" alt="a man and a woman on the aft deck of small vessel on a river" /> <img src="/Portals/0/Images/Science_institute/LaLuz-vidcap-6-LR.jpg" style="margin: 15px; border: 6px solid #eeeeee; border-radius: 5px;" alt="a woman and man prepare a fish-catching net" /> </p>