Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians conducts fish rescues as creeks dry up during spawning season

The recent meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board on December 18, 2024, highlighted critical environmental challenges facing the Clear Lake Hitch, a fish species native to California's Clear Lake. The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians presented findings from their ongoing fish rescue efforts, emphasizing the alarming trend of creek disconnections that threaten the survival of this species.

The presentation detailed how the Big Valley area has experienced significant reductions in creek flow, leading to stranded fish during critical spawning periods. The Clear Lake Hitch, known locally as "chai," migrates upstream to spawn, but many fry are left trapped in disconnected pools as water levels drop. Since 2011, the tribe has monitored water chemistry and creek conditions, submitting data to the U.S. EPA to support broader water quality initiatives. This year alone, over 24,500 fry were rescued, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The tribe's observations revealed that disconnected pools began forming as early as April, with the situation worsening through the summer months. The lack of precipitation and rising temperatures exacerbated the problem, leading to rapid drying of these pools. The tribe's environmental department has been proactive in notifying state agencies when conditions become critical, seeking assistance for fish rescues.

In addition to the immediate challenges posed by low water levels, harmful algal blooms (HABs) were also discussed as a significant threat to fish health. Recent reports indicated that six out of seven fish kills in Clear Lake this year were linked to these blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water. The tribe has been monitoring cyanotoxins in the lake for over a decade, contributing valuable data to ongoing research and management efforts.

The meeting also addressed broader water management strategies, with state officials acknowledging the need for improved coordination among agencies to ensure adequate water flow during critical periods. The Central Valley Regional Water Board is exploring options for streamflow augmentation to help stabilize conditions in the creeks, which could mitigate the impact of future droughts on fish populations.

As the meeting concluded, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between tribal, state, and federal agencies to address these pressing environmental issues. The ongoing efforts to monitor and manage water quality and quantity are vital not only for the survival of the Clear Lake Hitch but also for the health of the entire ecosystem in the region. The next steps will involve continued data collection, habitat restoration projects, and the implementation of strategies to enhance water flow during critical spawning seasons.