CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsFeather River Fish Hatchery to Increase Production of Fall-Run Chinook Salmon to Combat Impacts of Drought, Thiamine Deficiencyhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/feather-river-fish-hatchery-to-increase-production-of-fall-run-chinook-salmon-to-combat-impacts-of-drought-thiamine-deficiencySalmonFri, 16 Dec 2022 09:43:15 GMTCDFW and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) have announced that the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville will increase its production of fall-run Chinook salmon in 2023 to approximately 9.5 million fish to combat the impacts of drought and a thiamine deficiency affecting natural spawning and in-river production.<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>** Joint News Release Issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Water Resources **</strong></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) have announced that the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville will increase its production of fall-run Chinook salmon in 2023 to approximately 9.5 million fish to combat the impacts of drought and a thiamine deficiency affecting natural spawning and in-river production.</p> <p>It is the second consecutive year the Feather River Fish Hatchery will exceed its typical production quota of 6 million fall-run Chinook salmon to help sustain California’s commercial and recreational salmon fisheries. The hatchery raised and released 8 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts in 2022.</p> <p>The hatchery, which is owned by DWR and operated by CDFW, is seeking to produce approximately 8 million fall-run Chinook salmon smolts and 1.5 million fall-run Chinook salmon fingerlings in 2023 – a 3.5 million increase over typical production goals.</p> <p>“With the combination of prolonged drought, low adult returns, and a thiamine deficiency impacting in-river production, we feel it’s extremely important to maximize the actions we have available to us in the hatcheries to help sustain this extremely important population of salmon,” said CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Jay Rowan.</p> <p>The Feather River Fish Hatchery has collected 17 million fall-run Chinook salmon eggs to help meet these elevated production goals – 2 million more eggs that the hatchery’s typical egg collection target. Approximately 11,000 adult, fall-run Chinook salmon returned to the hatchery in 2022, a significant, below-average return.</p> <p>Two million of the additional salmon smolts produced will be trucked to release sites in the San Pablo and San Francisco bays to maximize survival. Another 1.5 million of these additional fish will be released into the Feather River earlier in the season and at a smaller size than typical river releases. This is an experimental effort to take advantage of more favorable weather and river conditions in early spring. Twenty-five percent of the fall-run Chinook salmon produced by the Feather River Fish Hatchery in 2023 will be marked and tagged so that scientists can monitor the success of the releases.</p> <p>“Releasing additional fall-run in both the Feather River and near San Francisco Bay will provide more salmon for harvest opportunities and for research,” said DWR State Water Project Assistant Deputy Director John Yarbrough. “It’s critical that when we change strategies, even during drought, we have the tools in place to understand both the impacts and the benefits of these actions. Continuing to mark these fall-run and follow them throughout their lifecycle will give us the information necessary to inform future actions.”</p> <p>In the past few years, California’s Chinook salmon populations have suffered from a thiamine deficiency, which is a lack of thiamine or Vitamin B1, which can cause death in both juvenile and adult fish. The thiamine deficiency has been linked to booming anchovy populations in the ocean and adult salmon feeding almost exclusively on anchovies compared to a more diverse diet of prey species.</p> <p>CDFW and DWR have been able to successfully treat both adult salmon returning to the Feather River Fish Hatchery and the fertilized eggs produced. Until there are changes in the ocean food web, thiamine deficiency will continue to be a problem for these fish. CDFW and DWR will continue to manage the Feather River Fish Hatchery to produce salmon for harvest and conservation using the best available science and management practices.</p> <p><strong><em>CDFW photo: A Feather River Fish Hatchery staffer checks on the status of fertilized Chinook salmon eggs incubating within the hatchery.</em></strong></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:sabrina.washington@water.ca.gov">Sabrina Washington</a>, DWR Public Affairs, (916) 820-7664</em></p> CDFW Announces the Availability of $200 million in New Grant Funding Under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiativeshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-announces-the-availability-of-200-million-in-new-grant-funding-under-drought-climate-and-nature-based-solutions-initiativesGrantsWed, 30 Nov 2022 12:46:32 GMTCDFW has announced the availability of over $200 million in new funding for multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and protection projects under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiatives.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the availability of over $200 million in new funding for multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and protection projects under Drought, Climate and Nature-Based Solutions Initiatives. This new funding for restoration and protection of critical habitat and watersheds statewide also supports key initiatives including conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 under California’s 30x30 initiative, Nature-Based Solutions, and increasing the pace and scale of restoration through Cutting the Green Tape.</p> <p>CDFW has also launched a new <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">online application portal</a> to receive applications for grant funding under these new initiatives. As part of its Cutting the Green Tape efforts, this streamlined application and review process will remain available on an ongoing basis, allowing applicants to submit one application for consideration under multiple funding streams. CDFW is accelerating the review and approval process under this funding with the goal to review and approve the award for grants for selected projects within 30 days of receipt. Following awards, CDFW will work to develop agreements for awarded projects.</p> <p>“The time to act is right now because California’s ecosystems face dire conditions for our species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “This funding is absolutely the push we all need to put some largescale projects across the finish line.”</p> <p>An overview of the new funding available for restoration, including grants, is as follows:</p> <p><strong>Drought Emergency: Protecting Salmon - $100 million</strong></p> <p>In response to current drought conditions, the California Legislature authorized $100 million to allow CDFW to protect and restore salmon in 2022 and 2023. This funding will support restoration and protection projects that enhance salmon resiliency to drought and climate change.</p> <p>CDFW also plans to dedicate $20 million of this funding within the Klamath River Watershed to projects demonstrating support from and collaboration with Tribes and landowner interests. This $20 million will be available as follows:</p> <ul> <li>Up to $10 million available for projects within the Scott River and its tributaries; and</li> <li>Up to $10 million available for projects within the Shasta River and its tributaries</li> </ul> <p><strong>Nature-Based Solutions</strong></p> <p>Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10.07.2020-EO-N-82-20-signed.pdf" target="_blank">Executive Order N-82-20 (PDF)</a> outlines a comprehensive and results-oriented agenda to expand nature-based solutions across California, advancing an approach to restoration that works with and enhances nature to help address societal challenges. Two new programs within CDFW will work toward this goal.</p> <p><em>Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration</em></p> <p>As part of the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions" target="_blank">Nature-Based Solutions Initiative</a>, up to $54 million is available for projects that restore or enhance wetlands and mountain meadow ecosystems with quantifiable greenhouse gas reduction benefits, consistent with the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions/CNRA-Report-2022---Final_Accessible_Compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy (PDF)</a> and <a href="https://www.californianature.ca.gov/pages/30x30" target="_blank">Pathways to 30x30</a>. The program will also support pilot projects for CDFW's forthcoming Beaver Restoration Program.</p> <p><em>Wildlife Corridors</em></p> <p>Up to $42 million under Nature-Based Solutions will be available for CDFW for connectivity planning and implementation projects consistent with the <a href="/SWAP">State Wildlife Action Plan</a>, the <a href="/Science-Institute/Habitat-Connectivity#56328970-terrestrial-habitat-connectivity">state’s efforts on connectivity</a>, and the <a href="https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/legislative-affairs/documents/fish_passage_report_2020-final-a11y.pdf" target="_blank">Fish Passage Annual Legislative Report (PDF)</a> or efforts to allow fish and wildlife the freedom to roam in California by accelerating fish and wildlife corridor projects.</p> <p><strong>Addressing Climate Impacts</strong></p> <p>Up to $35 million is available to support projects addressing urgent degrading water and habitat conditions due to climate change impacts, including for grants. Eligible uses of these funds include purchasing water from willing sellers to benefit wildlife, protecting instream flows, building water conservation projects, implementing emergency restoration activities and conservation strategies identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan with a priority on actions that protect the Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the plan.</p> <p>CDFW has developed a single set of General Grant Program Guidelines with an overview of eligible project types, priorities and information on the application process, available at <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application</a>. Applications submitted under these new initiatives may also be considered for further evaluation under CDFW’s Proposition 1 and Proposition 68 Grant Programs, and a separate call for projects will also be released for these programs in early 2023.</p> <p>More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations, once available, can be found at <a href="/grants">wildlife.ca.gov/Grants</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:matt.wells@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Wells</a>, CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Branch, (916) 216-7848<br /> <a href="mailto:ken.paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</em></p> <p>###</p> Drought Forces Closure of Shasta Valley Wildlife Area to Waterfowl Hunting; Other Northeastern Waterfowl Properties Impacted by Water Shortageshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/drought-forces-closure-of-shasta-valley-wildlife-area-to-waterfowl-hunting-other-northeastern-waterfowl-properties-impacted-by-water-shortages1WaterfowlFri, 16 Sep 2022 08:42:49 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County will be closed to waterfowl hunting for the entirety of the 2022-23 season as a result of lost wetlands and waterfowl habitat due to ongoing drought conditions.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County will be closed to waterfowl hunting for the entirety of the 2022-23 season as a result of lost wetlands and waterfowl habitat due to ongoing drought conditions.</p> <p>The Northeastern Zone waterfowl season runs from October 1, 2022, through January 11, 2023. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area closure includes the preseason Northeastern Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days scheduled for September 17-18, 2022, and the postseason Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days scheduled for January 14-15, 2023.</p> <p>The 4,700-acre Shasta Valley Wildlife Area typically provides important seasonal wetlands for migrating waterfowl supplied by three reservoirs on the property. Two of those reservoirs – Steamboat Lake and Bass Lake – are completely dry and a third reservoir – Trout Lake – is at approximately 25 percent of capacity. Closing the wildlife area to all waterfowl hunting is necessary to protect the waterfowl using what limited habitat remains.</p> <p>The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area will be open for upland game bird hunting for dove, quail, snipe and pheasant as regulations permit. Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Sundays during the season and will be by reservation only with no walk-ins, sweat line or refills. A Type A Season Pass or Type B Season Pass is required for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Reservation applications for Sunday pheasant hunts are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. Shasta Valley’s annual apprentice pheasant hunt for Junior Hunting License holders will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. The area will be closed to all hunting Sunday, December 25, 2022, in observance of the Christmas holiday.</p> <p>Waterfowl hunting opportunities will vary at other Northeastern Zone state and federal lands popular with duck and goose hunters. Hunters are strongly advised to call ahead in preparing for any Northeastern Zone waterfowl hunt. Other popular public waterfowl hunting areas in the Northeastern Zone include:</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Ash-Creek-WA">Ash Creek Wildlife Area</a><br /> A bright spot among Northeastern Zone public hunting areas, Ash Creek expects its wetlands to be mostly flooded for waterfowl season due to its combination of spring-fed creeks and groundwater supplies. Reservations are required to hunt the opening weekend, October 1-2, along with a Type A or Type B Season Pass for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Ash Creek also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. No reservations or other check-in procedures required. (530) 294-5824.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Butte-Valley-WA">Butte Valley Wildlife Area</a><br /> Butte Valley began pumping groundwater in July to flood its seasonal wetlands in time for the Northeastern Zone waterfowl opener. Butte Valley expects to have 600 or 700 acres flooded by opening day. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend along with a Type A or Type B Season Pass for all non-Junior Hunting License holders. Butte Valley also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. (530) 398-4627.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Honey-Lake-WA">Honey Lake Wildlife Area</a><br /> Another option for youth hunters, the Honey Lake Wildlife Area Fleming Unit will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis though hunters will find far fewer wetlands than in 2021-22. The Dakin Unit will be dry this upcoming season – though still open to dry field waterfowl hunting and upland game bird hunting. The Fleming Unit will see just about 25 percent of its seasonal wetlands flooded by the October 1 season opener. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B Season Pass is required of all non-Junior Hunting License holders. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Willow-Creek-WA">Willow Creek Wildlife Area</a><br /> This 2,700-acre wildlife area north of Susanville in Lassen County expects 250 acres of huntable, flooded wetlands by the Northeastern Zone season opener Oct. 1. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B Season Pass is required of all non-Junior Hunting License holders. No preseason youth hunt will take place. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/modoc" target="_blank">Modoc National Wildlife Refuge</a><br /> Water conditions have improved at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge outside of Alturas and the refuge will once again welcome youth waterfowl hunters Sept. 17-18 after having to cancel its youth hunt last season. The youth waterfowl hunt at Modoc is only open to reservation holders. The refuge’s Northeastern Zone general season opener is also on schedule but with a reduced quota of 50 hunters for opening weekend. Opening weekend Oct. 1-2, like the youth shoot before it, is only open to reservation holders. After opening weekend, Modoc is open to waterfowl hunting on a walk-in, self-registration basis. Shoot days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. (530) 233-3572.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-08/lower-klamath-and-tule-lake-refuges-announce-2022-23-hunt-season-closure" target="_blank">Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex</a><br /> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced that the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges will be closed to all public upland game bird and waterfowl hunting during the fall and winter 2022-23 hunting seasons. Beginning September 17, 2022, and continuing through March 10, 2023, the closure applies to all upland game bird seasons, the entirety of the Northeastern Zone waterfowl season, and special group waterfowl hunts, including youth, veterans and women’s hunts, and late-season duck and goose hunts. The decision to close the hunt season was based on the ongoing and severe drought conditions and the lack of available habitat, including food, water and shelter to support upland game birds and migratory water birds. For more information, please call the USFWS Hunter Hotline at (458) 232-6123.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW Photo: </strong>Youth hunter at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.</em></p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Steve.Burton@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Burton</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 340-0104<br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Recommends “Hoot Owl” Practices for Fishing Inland Waters During Droughthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-recommends-hoot-owl-practices-for-fishing-inland-waters-during-droughtWildlife HealthFri, 15 Jul 2022 12:33:42 GMTCDFW is asking recreational anglers to begin “Hoot Owl” practices when fishing – voluntarily changing how, when and where they fish to minimize stress and mortality among fish populations suffering from drought conditions.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is asking recreational anglers to begin “Hoot Owl” practices when fishing – voluntarily changing how, when and where they fish to minimize stress and mortality among fish populations suffering from drought conditions.</p> <p>“Hoot Owl” recommendations reference being active during times of day when owls can still be heard hooting. These times are typically earlier in the day when weather conditions are cooler. CDFW uses the term “Hoot Owl” to describe its guidelines for fishing during a drought which recommend fishing before noon on certain inland waters, as even catch-and-release angling during the hottest parts of the day can greatly increase fish stress and mortality.</p> <p>“California's drought cycles require all of us to work together to manage our fisheries,” said CDFW Inland Fisheries Manager Sarah Mussulman. “Multiple years of drought plus fluctuations in the timing of precipitation creates many challenges for our cold-water fish species. Anglers can play a part in lessening impacts to their favorite fishery by not fishing past noon during the hot summer months.”</p> <p>Coldwater species such as trout, salmon and steelhead have the greatest likelihood of being affected by the drought this year, but low water levels and high-water temperatures can potentially affect all inland aquatic species.</p> <p>CDFW has introduced a series of voluntary <a href="/Fishing/Inland/Hoot-Owl">“Hoot Owl” Recommendations</a> – directing anglers to focus their fishing during the cooler “hoot owl” periods of the day when water temperatures are lowest. A watchlist of specific waters anglers should fish before noon is included and will be updated as conditions change. Sustained afternoon water temperatures exceeding 67 degrees Fahrenheit for trout fisheries could trigger additions to the list.</p> <p>Currently, the list of waters include:</p> <ul> <li>Lower Owens River (Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to Five Bridges) in Mono County</li> <li>Hot Creek in Mono County</li> <li>Mill Creek (Walker Basin) in Mono County</li> <li>Lower Rush Creek (Grant Lake to Mono Lake) in Mono County</li> <li>Bridgeport Reservoir in Mono County</li> <li>Deep Creek in San Bernardino County</li> <li>Crowley Lake in Mono County</li> <li>Truckee River (Lake Tahoe to the Nevada state line) in Nevada, Placer and Sierra counties</li> <li>Upper Truckee River in El Dorado County</li> </ul> <p>As conditions change, CDFW will post the updated list on the <a href="/Fishing/Inland/Hoot-Owl">“Hoot Owl” Water</a> Watchlist page.</p> <p>Elevated water temperatures, lower oxygen levels, disease, low flows and low water levels are among the drought-related effects impacting many of California’s coastal waters and inland fisheries.</p> <p>To reduce fish stress during the drought, anglers can:</p> <ul> <li>Minimize the time you spend "fighting" the fish and any hands-on handling.</li> <li>Use rubber or coated nylon nets to protect a fish's slime layer and fins.</li> <li>Quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers.</li> <li>Minimize the amount of time the fish is exposed to air, especially when the weather is warm.</li> <li>Keep your hands wet when handling the fish.</li> <li>If the fish is deeply hooked, do not pull on the line. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to where it is hooked and leave the hook so it can dissolve.</li> <li>Allow the fish to recover in the net before you release it.</li> <li>If the fish does not stay upright when you release it, gently move it back and forth.</li> <li>Avoid fighting fish from deeper, cooler waters and bringing them into warmer waters at the surface if your intention is to release them.</li> <li>Target fisheries that have stable water levels and species that are more resilient to elevated temperatures.</li> </ul> <p>CDFW suggests all anglers follow these best practices even if anglers are only interested in harvesting fish to eat. Mortality may result from non-targeted species caught and released or fish outside of legal size limits that must be returned to the water.</p> <p>###</p> <p><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <em><a href="mailto:farhat.bajjaliya@wildlife.ca.gov">Farhat Bajjaliya</a>, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 215-5330<br /> <a href="mailto:leticia.palamidessi@wildlife.ca.gov">Leticia Palamidessi</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 708-8517</em></p> <p><em><strong>Photo:</strong> Fishing at day break.<br /> Delmas Lehman/<a href="http://stock.adobe.com" target="_blank">stock.adobe.com</a></em>  </p> CDFW Trucks Salmon Smolts Around Adverse River Conditionshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-trucks-salmon-smolts-around-adverse-river-conditionsSalmonFri, 17 Jun 2022 09:27:43 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is nearing the completion of its efforts to transport 19.7 million hatchery-raised fall-run and 960,000 spring-run juvenile Chinook salmon (known as smolts) to the San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay and seaside net pens this spring and summer.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is nearing the completion of its efforts to transport 19.7 million hatchery-raised fall-run and 960,000 spring-run juvenile Chinook salmon (known as smolts) to the San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay and seaside net pens this spring and summer.</p> <p>CDFW raises the fish at Feather River, Nimbus, Mokelumne and Merced salmon hatcheries and monitors river conditions carefully to estimate the smolts’ chances of successful migration. During times of drought, low flows and elevated water temperatures can be a lethal mixture for the young salmon. This year, conditions are expected to be particularly poor, prompting CDFW to move more than 95 percent of the smolts down river, thus bypassing 50 to 100 miles of hazardous river conditions.</p> <p><img alt="A silver CDFW fish stocking tanker truck is parked in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at night, with lights from the bridge reflecting off of the truck." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/SmoltTruck_resized.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" /></p> <p>“Three consecutive years of drought have resulted in critically low reservoir water storage, low river flows and poor river conditions overall, which we know decreases the survival of juvenile Chinook salmon as they move downstream toward the Pacific Ocean,” said Jason Julienne, CDFW’s North Central Region hatchery supervisor. “In years like this, when drought conditions are bad and anticipated in-river survival is low, trucking young salmon to downstream release sites has proven to be one of the best ways to increase overall survival of hatchery produced fish to contribute to adult returns in the coming years.”</p> <p>To increase survival rates, multiple release sites and release methods are used. In some locations, the fish are released directly into the water by specialized fish-hauling tanker trucks. At others, the smolts are released into net pens, which are then towed out to deeper waters before being released. Releases can happen during daylight hours or at night. CDFW fisheries biologists and salmon hatchery managers tailor these methods according to tide conditions, temperatures and the presences of potential predators at each site.</p> <p>Prior to each release, approximately 25 percent of the smolts have their adipose fin removed and are fitted with a coded wire tag the size of a small pencil lead in its nose. When the fish are caught later, CDFW staff can use the tag information to determine when, where and from which hatchery the fish came. CDFW fish counters check both commercial and sport catch to secure tags and retrieve this information, which helps determine the success rate of each batch of fish released.</p> <p>“The trucking of these salmon smolts helps ensure both sport and commercial anglers of salmon in the future,” said John McManus, president of the Golden Gate Salmon Association. “CDFW staff has gone above and beyond in their willingness to move the release sites further west, which means we'll see much better survival for those fish released closer to the ocean. This is greatly helping to keep the salmon industry afloat as we suffer through drought.”</p> <p>The releases began in March and are scheduled to conclude by June 23. One of the last releases will happen over the weekend at Brickyard Cove in Richmond on Sunday, June 19 at 8:45 p.m. The Golden State Salmon Association and the City of Richmond will assist with the release of approximately 200,000 smolts at this site. Media are welcome; please contact Ken Paglia at (916) 825-7120 for details and directions. The city will require attendees to sign a waiver in advance.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jason.Julienne@wildlife.ca.gov">Jason Julienne</a>, CDFW North Central Region, (916) 496-4985<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:Harry.Morse@wildlife.ca.gov">Harry Morse</a>, CDFW Communications, (208) 220-1169</em></p> State Agencies Partner to Support Salmon Populations While Supplying Water to Millions of Californianshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/state-agencies-partner-to-support-salmon-population-while-supplying-water-to-millions-of-californiansSalmonMon, 09 May 2022 10:39:26 GMTCalifornia’s severe climate-driven drought is having a significant impact on the state’s water supply, but it’s also putting the state’s salmon population at serious risk. Managing California’s water needs during this water supply crisis means minimizing the impacts of drought and water management on the environment while meeting the health and safety needs of communities and supporting the economy and agriculture. DWR and CDFW are actively working to respond to drought and climate change impacts on native species and ecosystems.<p>California's severe climate-driving drought is having a significant impact on the state's water supply, but it's also putting the state's salmon population at serious risk.</p> <p>Managing California’s water needs during this water supply crisis means minimizing the impacts of drought and water management on the environment while meeting the health and safety needs of communities and supporting the economy and agriculture. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are actively working to respond to drought and climate change impacts on native species and ecosystems.</p> <p>Scientists and fish biologists from DWR and CDFW have a long history of working together to protect and support California’s salmon populations. Collaborating through shared projects, funding, and research efforts, DWR and CDFW are identifying critical challenges facing salmon and using the best available science and technology to find ways to promote salmon health and survival.</p> <p>The state has embarked on dozens of projects to ensure the success of California’s salmon populations. These projects include restoring critical habitat for salmon and other fish species, improving salmon migration corridors to and from the ocean, and increasing monitoring efforts to better track the status of populations and devise new strategies to improve their status.</p> <p>Among the recent highlights:</p> <ul> <li>In April, DWR and CDFW staff began work to remove vegetation from a key migratory path for adult spring-run Chinook salmon in the Sutter Bypass that runs parallel to the Sacramento River southwest of the Sutter Buttes. Each year, from February through June, salmon migrate through the East Borrow canal of the bypass on their way to spawning grounds near Chico. Waters are warmer in the bypass because of the severe drought and changing climate, and that has resulted in extensive overgrowth of aquatic vegetation that impedes adult salmon migration. DWR and CDFW scientists are working together to clear this migration pathway and ensure improved mobility and water quality for migrating adult spring-run Chinook salmon returning to their spawning grounds. A video of the project is available on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zz45brfKfM" target="_blank">DWR YouTube channel</a>.</li> <li>Further up the Sacramento River, returning salmon will find a new side channel with gravel suitable for spawning and riverbank vegetation to help reduce water temperatures. The warming climate and dry conditions are leading to increased river temperatures that can have fatal consequences for salmon. The new side channel was designed by DWR engineers and constructed by a tribal contractor near Anderson at a location where DWR and CDFW scientists observed numerous salmon taking advantage of the calmer waters to spawn. The side channel doubles as a place where juveniles can grow and thrive after hatching and emerging from the gravel. Similar activities to improve spawning locations through the application of suitable gravel have occurred in the Feather River, the Sacramento River’s largest tributary, and more are being planned.</li> <li>Also underway along two tributaries of the Sacramento River in Tehama County is an enhanced research and monitoring project for spring-run juvenile salmon in Mill and Deer creeks by CDFW biologists under funding by DWR. These are two of a handful of streams in the Central Valley that still support the unique yearling-type juvenile salmon, which remain in the waterbody after hatching for nearly a year before beginning downstream migration and are believed to be the only salmon from these two streams that survive drought conditions and eventually return to spawn. Yearling-type juvenile salmon were plentiful in streams across the Central Valley prior to dam construction and were likely a key factor in the resiliency of Central Valley salmon populations.</li> <li>A major multi-agency effort is underway to assist migration of winter- and spring-run adults and juveniles around dams on the Upper Sacramento River and tributaries so they can access historical spawning and rearing-habitat that has been inaccessible for decades since dam construction. This summer, DWR and CDFW will participate in an effort with multiple agencies, tribes and interested parties to test a system intended to collect juvenile salmon as they make their way downstream – a critical component of the assisted migration process. This and other similar relocation projects are being considered as one of many ways to help ensure Central Valley salmon persist through the extended droughts predicted for California’s future.</li> <li>State, federal, and university scientists are working to uncover new information and develop new actions to support and protect California’s salmon. For the last two years, scientists observed that many baby salmon are dying before they hatch, or shortly thereafter, and discovered the cause was a thiamine deficiency in their parents resulting from a shift in the ocean food web, a phenomenon recently observed in a number of fish populations around the globe. While a simple thiamine bath has proven effective in alleviating this deficiency in hatchery fish, naturally spawning salmon in the rivers continue to be heavily impacted. Last spring, DWR and CDFW began thiamine treatments on the large number of adult spring-run salmon that pass through the Feather River Fish Hatchery but are released back into the river to spawn in an effort to help this already drought-stricken salmon population weather the period of altered ocean conditions.</li> </ul> <p>These projects are a few examples of many long-term collaborations among federal, state, local, non-governmental, tribal, and academic partners that have joined forces to support salmon survival.</p> <p>To learn more about collaborative projects protecting salmon populations, check out the <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ec90d4a7ba744688973d9073d9b75aed" target="_blank">DWR website</a> highlighting these efforts and more. Additional projects will be featured throughout the summer.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em>Photo of Chinook salmon spawning in the Feather River courtesy of the Department of Water Resources.</em></p> Endangered California Salmon Returned to Safer Waters After More than A Centuryhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/endangered-california-salmon-returned-to-safer-waters-after-more-than-a-centuryScientific StudyThu, 05 May 2022 12:13:16 GMTState and federal biologists have begun moving endangered adult winter-run Chinook salmon to the upper reaches of Battle Creek and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to Clear Creek in northern California, where colder water temperatures will better support spawning and help their eggs survive the continuing drought.<p><strong>*** A Joint News Release Issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Bureau of Reclamation***</strong></p> <p>State and federal biologists have begun moving <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/chinook-salmon-protected#spotlight" target="_blank">threatened spring-run Chinook salmon</a> to Clear Creek in northern California, where colder water temperatures will better support spawning and help their eggs survive the continuing drought.</p> <p>Teams from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are relocating the fish. Together, they will return about 300 adult winter-run Chinook salmon to native habitat above Eagle Canyon Dam on North Fork Battle Creek, about 20 miles east of Cottonwood, in Shasta and Tehama counties for the first time in more than 110 years.</p> <p>Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which operates hydroelectric facilities on Battle Creek, coordinated operations to make the move possible. It is one of a series of urgent actions to help the native fish survive another year of the lasting drought and high temperatures, thiamine deficiency, predators and other stressors that devastated the population the last two years in the Sacramento River below Shasta and Keswick dams.</p> <p><strong>Agencies Join Forces</strong></p> <p>CDFW, USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Water Resources and water users are coordinating efforts to save the state and federally protected species. The agencies are working closely with the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, whose culture is intertwined with salmon in the area. Other actions include:</p> <ul> <li>Managing releases of limited water stored in Shasta Reservoir into the Sacramento River, where additional spawning gravel has been placed, to improve the odds that the released water is cool enough to allow some Chinook salmon eggs in the river to survive.</li> <li>Expanding production of juvenile, winter-run Chinook salmon at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/livingston-stone" target="_blank">Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery</a> operated by the USFWS at the base of Shasta Dam. Offspring produced at the hatchery in recent years have helped save the species as most of their eggs in the wild have died. Juvenile fish will be released into the river in stages when conditions are more hospitable in the late fall and winter.</li> <li>Moving adult spring-run Chinook salmon that return up the Sacramento River to the upper reaches of Clear Creek in Shasta County to cooler water and increased chances of egg survival.</li> <li>Boosting the resilience of transported adult salmon with injections of thiamine (Vitamin B) to counter a deficiency that researchers believe has <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/monitoring-thiamine-deficiency-california-salmon#scientists-ask-for-anglers%E2%80%99-help-in-solving-salmon-mystery" target="_blank">depressed survival</a> of their offspring in recent years. The deficiency has been tied to shifting ocean conditions and salmon feeding primarily on anchovies compared to a more diverse diet of forage fish, krill and other species.</li> <li>Tracking the survival and reproduction of the transported fish as part of a science plan to learn from these actions to promote climate resilience of Chinook salmon. Research includes field studies to understand the productivity of historic habitat where winter-run Chinook salmon will be reintroduced.</li> </ul> <p>The transport of adult winter-run Chinook salmon to upper Battle Creek builds on the “jumpstart” reintroduction program that began in 2018 with annual releases of juvenile salmon in lower reaches of the creek. Many of the released fish migrated to the ocean and have returned as adults to spawn, demonstrating that Chinook salmon can reestablish themselves given habitat that remains cool enough for their eggs to survive the summer.</p> <p>Hydroelectric facilities and natural barriers prevent the adult salmon from reaching the cool, spring-fed waters in the upper portions of North Fork Battle Creek some 3,000 feet above the Sacramento Valley floor. Juvenile offspring of the transported adults that hatch in the creek are expected to be able to swim downstream past Eagle Canyon Dam and reach the Sacramento River.</p> <p><strong>Returning Above Shasta</strong></p> <p>State and federal salmon recovery plans also call for <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article257221967.html" target="_blank">returning winter-run Chinook salmon</a> to historical spawning habitat in the McCloud River above Shasta Dam and Reservoir. That requires a means of collecting juvenile salmon that hatch and try to swim downriver toward the ocean and need to safely get past the 600-foot high Shasta Dam. Agencies plan to test a pilot juvenile collection system this fall.</p> <p>These efforts are part of a comprehensive program in the Sacramento Valley to address all freshwater life cycle stages to benefit all four runs of Chinook salmon in the region. Work will continue this year to advance science through <a href="https://www.sacriverscience.org/" target="_blank">the Sacramento River Science Partnership</a> and to implement projects in the downstream reaches of rivers and creeks to create additional spawning habitat, side channel rearing habitat, fish food and migration barrier removal.</p> <p>These efforts are also part of a longer term recovery effort underway to address climate change and provide greater resilience for salmon by expanding access to important habitat and landscapes, including reintroduction for spawning and rearing above Shasta Dam and Reservoir, spawning in the upper reaches of Battle Creek, and food sources and safe haven in the bypasses, oxbows and historic floodplain in the lower part of the system.</p> <p><strong>Comments from Agency Leaders</strong></p> <p><strong>Charlton H. Bonham, Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife</strong><br /> “The historic reintroduction of adult, winter-run Chinook salmon into the North Fork Battle Creek this spring will help secure another generation of this imperiled iconic species. This reintroduction – combined with long term efforts to restore the Battle Creek watershed and establish a second population of winter-run beyond the Sacramento River – means we are helping this species to become more climate resilient and drought resilient for a brighter future.”</p> <p><b>Paul Souza, Pacific Southwest Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</b><br /> “This marks the first time in many years that anadromous fish have been in upper Battle Creek. Releasing salmon to this location is critical during this third year of drought because water temperatures are cooler and habitat is more conducive to spawning. This action would not be possible without the support of the Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, a collaborative effort between state, federal and private agencies.”</p> <p><b>Ernest Conant, Regional Director of the Bureau of Reclamation</b><br /> “Strong collaboration is key to managing the limited resources we have to work within the Sacramento River Basin this third consecutive drought year. Together, we are taking unprecedented actions to increase salmon productivity during one of the driest years on record.”</p> <p><b>Jan Nimick, PG&E Vice President of Power Generation</b><br /> “PG&E recognizes the current critical situation for adult winter-run salmon this year and are pleased to be working with the agencies to coordinate our project operations where we can to support a successful movement of salmon to colder water to support this urgent action by the agencies.”</p> <p><em>Photos and video of the salmon relocation and release into North Fork Battle Creek and Clear Creek are available for download and use at the following <a href="https://filelib.wildlife.ca.gov/Public/OCEO/Chinook%20Release%20April%202022/">FTP link</a>.</em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>About the California Department of Fish and Wildlife</strong><br /> The mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov">www.wildlife.ca.gov</a>. Connect with us at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDFW" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CaliforniaDFW" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/californiadfw/" target="_blaink">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliforniaDFG" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.</em></p> <p><em><strong>About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</strong></em><br /> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit <a href="https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific-southwest" target="_blank">https://www.fws.gov/cno/</a> or connect with us via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USFWS/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/USFWS" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/usfws" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfws_pacificsw" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.</p> <p><strong><em>About the Bureau of Reclamation</em></strong><br /> The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/" target="_blank">www.usbr.gov</a>and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/usbr" target="_blank">@USBR</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/ReclamationCVP" target="_blank">@ReclamationCVP</a> on Twitter; Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bureauofreclamation/" target="_blank">@bureau.of.reclamation</a>; LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bureau-of-reclamation" target="_blank">@Bureau of Reclamation</a>; Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bureau_of_reclamation/" target="_blank">@bureau_of_reclamation</a>; and YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/reclamation" target="_blank">@reclamation</a>. </p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:John_heil@fws.gov">John Heil</a>, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (916) 414-6636<br /> <a href="mailto:mknecht@usbr.gov">Mary Lee Knecht</a>, Bureau of Reclamation, (916) 978-5101</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Emergency Regulations Allow CDFW to Extend Angling Restrictions in Coastal Waters Experiencing Prolonged, Low-Flow Conditions from Droughthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/emergency-regulations-allow-cdfw-to-extend-angling-restrictions-in-coastal-waters-experiencing-prolonged-low-flow-conditions-from-droughtSalmonFri, 04 Feb 2022 14:04:43 GMTThe California Fish and Game Commission has adopted emergency regulations allowing CDFW to extend low-flow related fishing restrictions on portions of the Smith, Eel and Russian rivers and a number of other coastal rivers and streams through April 30 if needed to protect runs of salmon and steelhead.<p>The California Fish and Game Commission has adopted emergency regulations allowing the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to extend low-flow related fishing restrictions on portions of the Smith, Eel and Russian rivers and a number of other coastal rivers and streams through April 30 if needed to protect runs of salmon and steelhead.</p> <p>“We’ve observed extended periods of drought and warming climate trends over the past decade,” said Jonathan Nelson, environmental program manager for CDFW’s Anadromous Fishes Conservation and Management Program. “The added flexibility to manage the health of our fisheries through extended angling restrictions on coastal waters when low flows create potentially lethal conditions is paramount to the long-term survival of our salmon and steelhead populations.”</p> <p>The emergency regulations took effect January 31, 2022. Prior to the change, CDFW was allowed to enact low-flow specific angling closures on coastal rivers in Del Norte and Humboldt counties including the Smith, Mad, Eel, Van Duzen and Mattole rivers through January 31 of each year and in Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties including the Gualala, Russian, Napa rivers and several others through March 31 each year.</p> <p>The emergency regulations have been added to the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=190456&inline" target="_blank">2021-2022 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF)</a> online. For a complete list of the coastal rivers subject to low-flow restrictions, please review the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 8.00(a) and (b).</p> <p>CDFW will make information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1:00 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as to whether any river or stream will be open or closed to fishing. It is the responsibility of the angler to call and obtain information on the status of any stream.</p> <p>For information about coastal rivers in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties, call (707) 822-3164.</p> <p>For information about coastal rivers in Marin and Sonoma counties, call (707) 944-5533.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jonathan.Nelson@wildlife.ca.gov">Jonathan Nelson</a>, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 376-1641<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> <p><em>CDFW photo by Manfred Kittel</em></p>