U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Delta Update (Popup page)

OCAP BO due date now 12/15/08.

The court has extended until Dec. 15 the due date for the Service to complete a new Biological Opinion for the Operations Criteria & Plan (OCAP)

FWS to consider Delta smelt uplisting

On 7-9-08 the Service announced a positive preliminary finding on a petition to uplist the threatened Delta smelt. News Release | Q&A

FWS submits additional info needs for OCAP BO

On June 27, 2008 the FWS submitted to the Bureau of Reclamation an extensive list of additional information required in order for the Service to write its Biological Opinion of the OCAP. See our memo to the Bureau (PDF 760KB).

FWS completes court-ordered actions to help delta smelt

The 2008 FWS actions to protect delta smelt concluded on June 20, as directed by the U.S. District Court. During the period the order was in effect, about 1,900 smelt were taken at the two major export pumps. More information (pop-up page)

(5-29-08) FWS Confirms Receipt of Biological Assessment.

Read our memo to the Bureau of Reclamation.

FWS, NMFS asked to begin formal CVP/SWP consultation

On May 16 the Service received the formal request to initiate consultation on CVP and SWP operations, as directed by Judge Wanger in his order (PDF). More (Popup page)
OCAP Biological Assessment.

FWS Delivers OCAP Status Report to Court

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivered (4-30-08) its status report to the court on progress toward a new OCAP Biological Opinion, in compliance with Judge Wanger's delta smelt order (PDF).

Status Report (PDF)

Declaration by Susan Moore, Field Supv. (PDF)

Salmon Order
Judge Wanger issued his order regarding salmon on April 16, 2008. Read the order (PDF)

Newest Delta Science Report

The 2007 Pelagic Organism Decline Report (PDF) provides the most recent information on factors in the decline of Delta fishes.

Bay Delta Conservation Plan (1-24-2008)

The Service and other agencies opened a public comment period to begin early scoping for a possible Bay Delta Conservation Plan. Many agencies will examine options for moving water thru the Delta while helping conserve native species. Federal Register TEXT PDF.

Fall Survey Shows Continued Decline of Delta Fish (1-10-08)

Delta smelt, a federally protected species, were at their record low level according to the annual fall Delta fish survey. The survey shows continued decline in 4 of the 5 fish species counted. Survey Data

Longfin smelt, a species which FWS is now evaluating for possible protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, were virtually absent. Even striped bass were at their third lowest ever in the survey.

Court Sets Deadline for New Opinion to Protect Delta Smelt

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is writing a new Biological Opinion (BO) regarding the effects of the two large Delta export pumps on the federally-protected delta smelt.

The Service is preparing the BO to comply with a finding (PDF) by the U.S. District Court (Judge Wanger) that the "OCAP BO is unlawful and inadequate," in part because it "does not provide a reasonable degree of certainty that mitigation measures will take place."

(OCAP stands for the Long-Term Operational Criteria and Plan)

On Dec. 14, 2007, Wanger issued an interim order (PDF) directing potential pumping limits and other actions to protect the delta smelt until the new BO is completed. Wanger directed the Service to complete the new BO by Sept. 15, 2008.

News Release - May 31, 2007
Agreement to Reduce Pumping to a Minimum To Protect Delta Smelt

September 16, 2008

Service proposes 300% increase in California red-legged frog critical habitat
  News Release |  Q&A
  Federal Register (PDF 4.3MB)

September 11, 2008

Service Recommends Downlisting One Species; No Change Recommended for 15 Others.
 News Release
 5-Year Reviews
 Sacramento Species Accounts

August 26, 2008

Revised Critical Habitat Designated for Bay Checkerspot Butterfly
  News Release
  Federal Register (PDF 1MB)

MORE NEWS

Smelt & Salmon Links

• Judge Wanger's court orders:
  
  Salmon - Final (PDF)
  Delta Smelt - Interim (PDF)
  Delta Smelt - Finding of Fact (PDF)
• Delta Smelt Recovery page
  (includes original OCAP BO)
• Smelt Working Group
• Species Account (PDF)
• Delta Smelt Survey Data
  (from the California Dept. of Fish & Game midwater trawl)