Two fishermen and their dog try to catch fish at a record-low California reservoir. California wildlife officials have banned fishing in several rivers to protect salmon and steelhead trout during a severe drought that follows the state's driest year on record. California is in its third straight year of drought conditions. Reservoirs throughout the state have low water levels. 28 January 2014 Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

By Shan Li
29 January 2014 (Los Angeles Times) – California wildlife officials have banned fishing in several rivers to protect salmon and steelhead trout during a severe drought that follows the state’s driest year on record. Fish populations are in danger as low levels in many of the Golden State’s waters could prevent them from migrating and spawning, according to a statement from the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Two-thirds of the wettest part of winter is now behind us and conditions are looking increasingly grim,” Charlton Bonham, the department’s director, said in the statement. “Under these extreme drought conditions, it is prudent to conserve and protect as many adult fish as possible to help ensure the future of fishing in California.” Among the waterways that will be closed until further notice are the San Lorenzo River, the Big Sur River and the Pescadero Creek. [more]

California bans fishing in several rivers in midst of drought A small pool of water is surrounded by dried and cracked earth at the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir in San Jose. Gov. Jerry Brown and President Obama discussed the state's drought situation Wednesday, 29 January 2014. Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

By Anthony York
29 January 2014 SACRAMENTO (Los Angeles Times) – President Obama called Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday to check in on the state’s water crisis and told him the federal government will do what it can to help. Brown declared a drought in the state last week, and the president “reinforced his commitment to providing the necessary federal support to the state and local efforts,” according to a statement from the White House. “The agencies are working together to target resources to help California and other impacted states prepare for and lessen the impacts of the drought.” […] Brown has urged Californians to reduce their water use by 20%, and has said he may make water reductions mandatory if the dry spell persists. [more]

President Obama calls Jerry Brown to discuss state’s drought