They require clean, cool water year round and healthy estuary and marine environments. The absence of a thriving run of steelhead where one existed is a sure sign of the decline of that water s health. The groups agree that restoring the rivers and streams of Southern California is good for the trout and good for the people of Southern California. The environmental and economic benefits of a restored ecosystem are tremendous. Clean, free-flowing rivers and streams and healthy fisheries will increase recreational opportunities, while commercial and sport fishing revenues could generate billions of dollars.
Recovery also means less government regulation and cleaner water supplies for Southern California.
The Southern California steelhead holds the genetic key to all steelhead populations on the Pacific Coast, said Michael Pottorff of San Diego Trout. Despite its scientific and historic importance, it is the most endangered steelhead population in California. Dams, diversions, poor water quality and bureaucratic apathy have all combined to drive the fish to the brink of extinction. South coast management focus will be on recovering these stocks from impending extinction and this will be the highest priority for DFG steelhead management. One of our top priorities is to convince the National Marine Fisheries Service to expand Endangered Species Act listing protections to steelhead, said David Hogan of the Center for Biological Diversity.