Blog: Drought makes conditions worse for California’s declining native fishes
California is home to 131 kinds of native fishes that require freshwater for some or all of their life-cycle. Most of these fishes are found only in California and most (81%) are in decline (Moyle et al. 2015, 2020). Thirty-two (24%) are already listed as threatened or endangered by state and/or federal governments. Declines are usually the result of fishes losing the competition with humans for California’s water and habitat (Leidy and Moyle 2021). This competition is heightened by the ongoing severe drought.
Related articles:
- LA Times: Opinion: Salmon is an indicator species for California’s water crisis. It’s not looking good
- The Sacramento Bee: Opinion: California prioritizes profits over health of ecosystem. Now, our salmon face extinction
- The Business Journal: Growers, Experts Say Conventional Wisdom Around Drought Is Flawed