Comments on: California: Record Low Chinook Counts in 2009

By: RJS

RJS — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:55:35 +0000

With respect to Daniel, Reno, & JD… all have a point of validity. The destruction to the fishing industry in Northern California however is directly linked to the over pumping of water from the Delta. The effect has taken its toll on both indigenous & migratory species throughout the eco-system. The individual farmers plight int he valley cannot be ignored though and JD is correct, the small independent growers are taking a beating… but the larger ag groups do in fact sell large portions of allotted water volume to interest other than valley agriculture. The water infact, is in the system… the main canal is full. It’s strange to see actual overhead photographs of the valley with dry dirt fields on each side… with a canal full of water snaking through the various counties.
Follow the money. Politicians and water lobbyist have been hand in hand with eachother for decades in California and short sighted, short term fixes have always been the norm, depending on whatever direction the political blow-back would be least for the legislative leaders of the state at the time. No real effort has been made by any incumbent to seek a long term solution that would supply the valley, protect the fisheries, and satisfy environmentalist. Instead they pit each one against eachother year after year.
What the solution is, I don’t know but I’m 50 years old and the battle for water rights in California has been going on for as long as I can remember. We need to elect leadershipi n our state that put the needs of the people and industries of California ahead of their political ambitions and liasons. Sorry for being so long winded.

By: JD

JD — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:26:25 +0000

You’re right, it’s not the small guys. I come from a long line of Sac Valley farmers and they’re getting hosed, too. It’s the big guys like Westlands, etc that are at the heart of the issue. Plus, there’s more to this than the water diversions. Poor ocean conditions played a huge role in the salmon decline as well…

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:56:31 +0000

Agreed! “Sour Subject” and no one has a right answer.

By: Reno Sepulveda

Reno Sepulveda — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:45:37 +0000

Sore subject here in the San Joaquin Valley. Those localized shortages were due to a drought. a manmade drought. The courts turned the pumps off for most of last year. Farmers out in Mendota, Huron and other west side farms are most definitely not not selling their water to SoCal and unemployment, foreclosures and suicides on the west side are at record highs.