Bad News for Winter Run

Very few adult winter run will likely return to spawn in 2017 and 2018 which could easily lead to further restriction on ocean salmon fishing. Federal fishery experts reported only three percent of the winter run eggs spawned in the Sacramento River in 2015 hatched and survived as far downstream as Red Bluff. The rest of the eggs were killed by high river temperatures for a second year in a row. GGSA told the press that government fish and wildlife agencies responsible for keeping this from happening let us all down.

Federal Proposals Harmful to Salmon

Bills in both the US House of Representatives and US Senate continue to call for more water to be delivered south of the Delta at the expense of salmon. Juvenile salmon are in the Delta now and desperately trying to stay alive for the next several months before migrating to the ocean. Any weakening of water diversion and pumping restrictions or increased water diversions will harm salmon, something GGSA continues trying to make plain to DC legislators. In addition, because of early season rain, the trucking of hatchery fish that occurred the last two years may not occur this year. This means baby hatchery salmon may be next to get sucked into the Delta pumps.

NY Times Reports on New Hatchery Salmon Technology

Hatchery salmon in California are under attack, mostly because they aren't wild. A developing technology that partly addresses the problem is now being used in a small number of hatcheries. DNA from hatchery fish is analyzed before deciding which males to pair with which females. This allows hatchery managers to avoid inbreeding and potentially select for desirable traits.

If this technology is eventually used at the big production hatcheries it might mute some of the criticism of hatchery salmon and yield a more fit fish. GGSA participated in a recent New York Times report on this new technology and the leading government scientist who is overseeing it.

Genetically Modified Freak Salmon Coming to Market Soon?

The Federal Food and Drug Administration now says it won't allow sale of genetically engineered salmon in the US until it comes up with labeling guidelines, something GGSA has sought for years. The FDA approved GE salmon for human consumption in December without a labeling requirement but Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska got Congress to immediately pass a law requiring labeling guidelines. The FDA approved GE salmon without considering the environmental harm these fish could do if they escape into the wild.

Tagged Salmon Tell the Story

Baby salmon that are trucked to acclimation net pens on or near the coast survive at far higher rates than those trucked to the bay or Delta, according to data GGSA recently got from state sources. Salmon released at the hatcheries in the Central Valley generally fare much worse than those that are trucked. The new data makes clear we get more salmon in the ocean and rivers by trucking them to coastal acclimation sites prior to release.

Twin Tunnels Update

GGSA executive director John McManus recently addressed a meeting of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, a small but pivotal player in any decision to build the massive twin tunnels/peripheral canal project. McManus told the valley water board the huge tunnel project would be bad for salmon and urged them to withdraw support for the current project. McManus also suggested the board should wait for a pending state study on the water needs of the Delta before proceeding. Only then can engineers and planners consider how to size an alternative conveyance. Read more here.

Yuba River Restoration

Various groups are working to improve or restore the Yuba River for salmon. Some hope to trap spring run salmon and release them upstream of the major dams to spawn. Others are skeptical and exploring other options while also trying to improve existing salmon habitat in the lower Yuba River below Englebright Dam. GGSA is listening to all sides and sees near term promise in working to improve existing fall run habitat in the lower Yuba River. This has good cold water but lacks places for baby salmon to safely find food and rear. The shortage of rearing habitat could be fixed by restoring areas along the Yuba where gold mining has left a moonscape of rock.

Two Commercial Salmon Fishermen join GGSA Board:

GGSA added two commercial salmon trollers to the board of directors at the January 19 meeting. Chris Lawson from Bodega Bay and Don Marshall from Half Moon Bay are both recognized leaders in their home ports. Don is also president of the Small Boat Commercial Salmon Fishermen's Association. GGSA is lucky to get their experience and views to broaden and deepen our work.

Sonoma and Santa Rosa Dinners Coming in March and April

GGSA needs your support to continue fighting all the fires threatening our salmon. The easiest and best way is to attend a GGSA dinner where for the price of admission you also renew your annual membership and get a shot at winning great raffle prizes.

GGSA will hold its annual Sonoma fundraising dinner March 11 at Ramekins Event Center in Sonoma. This year's dinner honors wine renowned bio-dynamic and organic grape grower Phil Coturri for his water stewardship. The past two years honored premier wine makers Sam Sebastiani and Mike Benziger. Doors Open at 5:30 pm. Individual tickets are $150.00 per person, $1,000 Reserved VIP seating for eight, or $1,300 Reserved VIP seating for ten.

On April 1 the annual Santa Rosa dinner will occur with tickets going for $85. This is always a great time with a huge number of high value raffle prizes and an open bar. Contact GGSA's Office at (855) 251-GGSA (4472) for information. You can always renew your membership or make a donation here.