The Intersection of Science and Policy in the Management of Delta Smelt

Delta smelt are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act and as endangered under the state of California’s Endangered Species Act.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages delta smelt collaboratively with the California Department of Fish and Game, along with other state and federal partners, to protect and recover the species.   Protective actions often affect the reliability of the water supply to users south of the Delta, sparking conflict between environmental and consumptive uses.  Management agencies and their stakeholders expect and require that policy decisions be informed by the application of the best available science.  This presentation will cover efforts including recovery planning, restoration initiatives, and regulatory actions that collectively are intended to fulfill the dual goals of protect and recover, through the application of the best available science to contentious management issues in the Bay-Delta.