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Proposed bill to remove limits on striped bass pitting fishermen against farmers; is it another water grab or a fair compromise?

Posted by: Maven on April 24, 2009 at 8:15 am

Wonderful trio of articles in the Lodi News-Sentinel this morning regarding the bill that has been introduced to remove regulations on striper fishing (in essence, allowing them to be fished into extinction). The first story gives the basic information:

Striped bass have been swimming in the Delta since they were introduced in California in the 1870s. 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 California. The bill is sponsored by the Modesto Irrigation District.

In 2007 and 2008, water exports from the Delta were decreased in order to protect the smelt and other species and some Central Valley farmers argue that the reduction has made it impossible to produce healthy harvests.

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.”

Read more of this story from the Lodi-News Sentinel by clicking here.

Then, commentaries from both sides of the issue. First the fisherman’s point of view:

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.

More from the fisherman’s side by clicking here.

The farmers say:

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.”

More from the farmer’s side by clicking here.

April 24, 2009 · Filed Under Wildlife & Endangered Species

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