Tuesday July 30, 2024
YubaNet —
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is listing the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population segment of longfin smelt as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The best available science indicates longfin smelt populations have significantly decreased throughout the San Francisco Bay estuary in recent decades.
“Like many species of fish, wildlife and their habitats, the hotter and drier climate has contributed to longfin’s decline, and the species needs our help,” said Paul Souza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Regional Director. “We are dedicated to working with others to conserve longfin smelt while recognizing the importance of wetlands in our refuges and conservation areas, the benefits of agricultural lands, and the critical water resources that sustain California’s communities.”