Page 4 - California Trout Annual Report 2017

Science and research
STATUS Of CAlIfORNIA’S NATIVE SAlMONIDS
This past year, in partnership with the University
of California Davis, Center for Watershed Sciences, we released State of Salmonids (SOS) II: Fish in Hot Water, a 95-page downloadable report
that details the status of California’s 32 native shes. The report is the second such effort undertaken with UC Davis. The rst edition was published in 2008 and established a baseline level of health for each native salmonid in the state. Illustrations by Paul Waters
California is home to 31 kinds of native salmon, steelhead, and trout, 32 if you count the now-extirpated Bull trout, last seen in the McCloud River in 1975. The science behind this report has made it clear: Many of the trout, salmon, and steelhead are in poor condition, with the recent drought pushing several species to the edge of extinction.
The ndings: 45% of California’s native salmon, steelhead, and trout are likely to be extinct in 50 years, 74% in 100 years, if present trends continue.
SOS II: Fish in Hot Water provides a pro le for each species and describes their top threats. Climate change is the major, overarching threat affecting all salmonids
in California. Climate change is expected
to reduce cold water habitat, increasingly vary seasonal stream ows, and alter food webs. Compounding the threats from climate change, California salmonids face historical and evolving threats. Anadromous salmonids are threatened by estuary alteration, blocked passage due to major dams, and increasing demands on water supply for agriculture.
for inland trout, top threats include invasive species, re, and hatcheries.
To combat these threats, we have established a plan for a Return to Resilience, with emphasis on three major areas:
1) Strongholds—protect the best habitats that remain relatively healthy, like the Smith River, South fork Eel River, and Butte Creek,
2) Source Waters—restore and protect healthy meadow function in the High Sierra and Mt. Shasta areas, and 3) focus on improving Productive and Diverse Habitats— estuaries, coastal lagoons, oodplains, and spring-fed rivers that are the nursery grounds for our native sh.
We believe California’s wild salmon, steelhead, and trout can Return to Resilience. 31 of our 32 kinds of salmonids still persist, a testament to their inherent ‘scrappiness.’ They are giving us a chance to reverse the downward trajectory. But we have to act now.
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SOS II: FISH IN HOT WATER
Status, threats and solutions for California salmon, steelhead, and trout.
CENTER FOR
Based on a report by Dr. Peter B. Moyle, Dr. Rob Lusardi and Patrick Samuel commissioned by California Trout. WATERSHED SCIENCES