Department of Water Resources
A daily compilation for DWR personnel of significant news articles and comment
April 24, 2009
1. Top Items–
Proposed bill to remove limits on striped bass pitting fishermen against farmers
The
Fisherman’s side: Bill another water grab by farmers south of the Delta
The
Farmer’s side: Striped bass bill a fair compromise for fishermen and farmers
The
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Proposed bill to remove limits on striped bass pitting fishermen against farmers
The
By Joelle Miholm
Striped bass have been swimming in the Delta since they were introduced in
They've become a staple in the local fishing economy. Aggressive and weighing up to 60 pounds, they are one of fishermen's favorite catches — not only to reel in, but to eat as well.
But some people don't see striped bass in a favorable light, arguing that they are an invasive non-native fish that preys on native endangered species, like Delta smelt, salmon and steelhead.
Assemblywoman Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) has proposed bill 1253, a piece of legislation that would remove regulations on striped bass. It would allow them to be caught in unlimited numbers and also cut any funding that goes to help grow the striped bass population. It would also be illegal to transport striped bass into
In 2007 and 2008, water exports from the Delta were decreased in order to protect the smelt and other species and some
Fuller believes that if striped bass are no longer protected, the native populations of Delta smelt, salmon and steelhead would grow. If their populations are stronger, the Delta — an estuary that delivers water to two-thirds of California — would be healthier and it would allow for more water to be pumped out of the Delta for agricultural and municipal needs.
"This bill is just trying to strike a balance. The state's water system is failing and we are taking all these steps to alleviate the impact on endangered fish, which has a major effect on people up and down the state that don't have enough water," Fuller said. "Instead, let's help protect these endangered fish populations by targeting a non-native predator so the impact on our water supply does not have to be as grave."
The bill has many opponents. Striped bass make up a large chunk of
And if it passes, the bill would also hurt the livelihoods of many people up and down the Delta, according to its opponents.
"Striped bass anglers comprise a significant portion of the Bay-Delta fishermen and this legislation will put tackle shops, boat manufacturers, boat dealers, marinas, guides, and the myriad of other Bay-Delta businesses that depend on the striped bass fishery out of business," said Dick Pool, leader of Water4Fish. "We need sound science before we put these folks on the unemployment rolls."
Fishermen and groups like the California Striped Bass Association believe that most of the Delta's aquatic life, from striped bass to salmon to smelt, are all down in numbers but not due to the eating habits of striped bass. The bill's opponents say smelt and salmon populations are down because of the increase of water being pumped out of the Delta the past 30 years. They see the bill only as a way of getting more water out of the Delta.
Bill 1253 is scheduled to go before the
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/04/23/sports/1_bass_090423.txt
Fisherman’s side: Bill another water grab by farmers south of the Delta
The
By Joelle Miholm
For 50 years,
As a lifelong fisherman of the
Striped bass can grow to be four feet long. They are feisty and landing one can make for one heck of an adventure.
Neuburger has reeled in a 17-pounder, but that’s small compared to the 40- to 60-pounders that have been known to lurk in the Delta waters.
He seen others do it, but he’s never had the thrill of reeling one in himself.
If current legislation passes, Neuburger may never get his chance. Assembly Bill 1253, proposed by Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), is targeting striped bass. The bill’s supporters say the fish are an invasive, non-native species preying on endangered native species like salmon and Delta smelt. They argue that the Delta would become a healthier habitat and more water could be pumped out if striped bass weren’t protected.
If passed, the bill would stop all funding to help boost striped bass populations, would lift regulations on how many stripers can be caught and stop any transport of stripers into California.
With striped bass numbers already on the decline, just like many of the Delta’s inhabitants like smelt, salmon and steelhead, catching stripers is already becoming more of a rarity.
Neuburger and groups like the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and the California Striped Bass Association, as well as biologists with the California Department of Fish and Game, say that striped bass are not directly connected with the decline of the other fish. Neuburger believes it is the increase in water being pumped out of the Delta.
“When there is a 90 percent decline of species in the Delta there is a serious problem and there is nothing we can do about it as long as the large volumes getting pumped out continues,” Neuburger said.
Neuburger worries that if the bill is passed, not only would it hurt the striped bass, it would affect the livelihood of thousands of fishermen, boat salesmen, bait shops and others who depend on the sportfishing economy.
“Pretty soon the fishermen will give up and then there will be no one to watch the environment and the South San Joaquin farmers and water districts will be able to come in and do whatever they want because no one is watching,” he said.#
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/04/23/sports/3-fish-fishermen-090423.txt
Farmer’s side: Striped bass bill a fair compromise for fishermen and farmers
The
By Joelle Miholm
The dirt under Brian Blackwell’s
In fact, it only gets a third of what is needed to grow a full, mature crop of pistachios, according to Blackwell, the owner of Blackwell Farming Company who is also a farm manager responsible for about 6,000 acres of crops in
In 2007 and ‘08, tightened restrictions decreased the amount of water that can be pumped out of the Delta in order to increase populations of endangered fish. Now Blackwell is struggling to find enough water to help his crops grow.
“I don’t know if the pistachios will bloom or what the effect will be on this year’s crop or next year’s crop,” he said. “We are out trying to buy any water we can. There are hundreds of farmers that are trying to find any water we can.”
Blackwell says he is searching everywhere he can to buy up extra water to quench his farms. He’s also looking to legislation to help solve the issue. He supports Assembly Bill 1253, proposed legislation to eliminate restrictions on striped bass in
The bill says striped bass, a non-native fish, are an invasive species that aggressively feed on endangered native fish (like salmon, Delta smelt and steelhead).
Blackwell believes if the bill were to pass, the native fish would thrive in the Delta. That would then allow the release of more water for farms.
“By the numbers, we are in dire need for the Delta to release more water,” he said. “I understand some of this is a Mother Nature drought and there isn’t as much water to take, but the pumps aren’t the only stressor on the Delta. The striped bass are the Delta’s biggest and most invasive species. They are a big stressor.”
Blackwell said he doesn’t want to see them eradicated. He just doesn’t believe they need to be protected. He wants to see the native salmon populations boosted and
Salmon fishing, which has been banned for two years in
“As a grower, I very much support this legislation,” he said. “Non-native species are being protected and they are eating the salmon. It doesn’t sound right to me as a farmer. I am not against striped bass or sport fishing. This comes down to common sense and trying to find a balance.”#
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/04/23/sports/2-fish-farmers-090423.txt
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