| For Immediate Release: November 17, 2011
Contact: Victor Gonella, Golden Gate Salmon Association, 707-217-6666
Zeke Grader, GGSA, PCFFA, 415-561-5080, ex 224
Salmon Advocates Praise Members of Congress for Delta Water Stand
Salmon fishery and salmon jobs depend on balanced approach
San Francisco -- Salmon advocates expressed their thanks today to 11 Members of Congress from throughout California and Oregon for their call for a fair planning process for California's delta water supplies. Without a fair process, California's salmon runs will likely decline with a great loss of jobs, a key food source, and a key part of California's natural heritage.
The members of Congress sent a letter to the US Department of the Interior condemning the Bay Delta Conservation Plan's (BDCP) recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between state and federal agencies and selected water export contractors who receive a portion of their water supply from the Bay-Delta. The Congressional members call for a rescinding of the MOA and development of a fair process that incorporates state and federal obligations to rebuild salmon runs.
The BDCP planning process seeks a 50 year federal permit to take or kill federally protected wildlife, including commercially valuable salmon, as part of operating a peripheral canal or tunnel. The MOA hands control over key parts of the planning process to water agencies in the San Joaquin Valley and other points south that have historically ignored the needs of salmon.
"Salmon advocates strongly support the work of these members of Congress on this issue," said Victor Gonella, president of the Golden Gate Salmon Association. " If the water users control the planning process, salmon have little chance of long term survival in California since they're unlikely to be spared the water they need to survive. If we lose salmon, we'll lose billions of dollars in associated economic activity and tens of thousands of jobs. "
"We believe water can be shared in such a way that we can have healthy, sustainable, abundant salmon runs and water to meet the needs of our farms and cities but it won't happen unless there's a level playing field that considers the value of the salmon fishery in California," said GGSA director Zeke Grader.
The Golden Gate Salmon Association (GGSA) is made up of fishermen and environmentalists working together on behalf of the Central Valley salmon to protect its habitat, aid in its revival and recovery, and provide for its long-term sustainability as a recreational, commercial and cultural resource. Our partners are elected officials, regulatory agencies, as well as legal, educational, and outreach organizations.
Golden Gate Salmon Association understands and respects the vital role that salmon plays in our environment and in our communities. Salmon recovery is our passion.
For more information, got to: http://goldengatesalmonassocia... |
