Activists urge urgent action to protect salmon and Delta smelt from extinction crisis

The State Water Resources Control Board held a workshop on December 12, 2024, focusing on updates related to the Bay-Delta region. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the ongoing voluntary agreements aimed at managing water resources and their impact on local ecosystems.

During the meeting, a speaker expressed strong concerns regarding the effectiveness of these agreements, highlighting that they do not adequately address the health of rivers. The speaker pointed out that since the initiation of these processes in 2018, there has been a dramatic decline in salmon populations, with estimates indicating a loss of 60 to 90 percent, alongside the extinction of the Delta smelt. This decline raises alarms about the broader ecological balance and the rights of communities, particularly those of color and Indigenous tribes, who rely on these fish for cultural practices and sustenance.

The speaker emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach that genuinely considers the voices of marginalized communities and the ecological health of the region. They criticized the notion of compromise in the current discussions, arguing that previous compromises have led to significant ecological degradation and a crisis for local tribes who are losing access to fish essential for their ceremonies.

The workshop underscored the urgency of reevaluating water management strategies to ensure they support both environmental sustainability and the rights of affected communities. As the board continues to navigate these complex issues, the call for a more equitable and effective approach remains a critical point of discussion.