Diversion of California water to save salmon ‘scientifically justified’

By Michaael Doyle | McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — Controversial cuts in water deliveries to central California farms to protect endangered fish appear to be “scientifically justified” but still in need of further study, scientists have concluded in a report to be issued Friday. In a politically sensitive study, the National Research Council determined two federal agencies had a “sound conceptual basis” for their actions protecting Chinook salmon, delta smelt and other endangered fish. The conclusion undercuts a common farmer criticism. However, the 65-page report may give some ammunition, as well, to those skeptical of water delivery restrictions imposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. Notably, the scientists determined that predators, pollution and other “stressors” accounted for some of the fish lost in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Until now, farmers say they’ve been held solely responsible for the fish losses, costing them water. “Based on the evidence the committee has reviewed, the committee agreed that the adverse effects of all the other stressors on the (protected) fishes are potentially large,” the study’s summary conclusion states. Pointedly, Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif., added in a statement Thursday that “predator fish have been allowed to flourish while cuts have continued in the deliveries of irrigation water to the San Joaquin Valley.” …

California water study appears to validate opposing sides