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Congresman Cardoza calls on government agencies to address predator fish that hurt Delta smelt and Valley agriculture

Posted by: Maven on March 20, 2010 at 5:56 am

From the website of Congressman Dennis Cardoza:

“WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza called on state and federal agencies today to take immediate steps to address non-native striped bass that are feeding on protected salmon and Delta smelt.

“Our government agencies have known for some time that non-native striped bass in the Delta are responsible for predation of native, threatened Delta smelt and salmon,” said Congressman Cardoza. “However, these predator fish have been allowed to flourish while cuts have continued in the deliveries of irrigation water to the San Joaquin Valley. This makes absolutely no sense and we deserve more from our government agencies.”

The issue was raised in letters (below) sent from Congressman Cardoza to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the letters, Congressman Cardoza, joined by Congressman Jim Costa and George Radanovich, said the agencies must stop programs that protect the predator fish until taking into consideration their impact on the native species of Delta smelt and salmon. He also said that the fish must be managed in a way that complies with the Endangered Species Act, taking into consideration the implications to Delta smelt and salmon.

“It is apparent that the federal government has known about the predation problem for years and yet has continued to fund programs and allow actions that protect and maintain these sport-fishing populations to the detriment of native fishes, including Delta smelt, salmon, and steelhead,” states the letter to the federal agencies. … “

Continue reading this press release, along with copies of the letters sent, by clicking here.

March 20, 2010 · Filed Under Delta Issues

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