Pelagic Organism Decline Overview
In the last few years, the abundance indices calculated by the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) Fall Midwater Trawl survey (FMWT) and Summer Townet Survey (TNS) show marked declines in numerous pelagic fishes in the upper San Francisco Estuary (the Delta and Suisun Bay) (IEP 2005). The abundance indices for 2002-2004 include record lows for delta smelt and age-0 striped bass and near-record lows for longfin smelt and threadfin shad.
In contrast, the San Francisco Bay Study did not show significant declines in its catches of marine/lower estuary species. Based on these findings, the problem appears to be limited to fish dependent on the upper estuary. In response to these changes, the IEP formed a Pelagic Organism Decline ("POD") work team to evaluate the potential causes.
CALFED Science Program POD Support
The Science Program has made concerted efforts to help support the IEP Pelagic Organism Decline effort. While not an official member of the IEP, the Science program has contributed Independent Science Reviews, documents, and financial support in an effort to identify the source(s) that are contributing to the decline of pelagic organisms in the Bay-Delta Region.
Science Program funded POD focused PSP's
#0106
Life cycle models and population biology of key species, environmental influences on key species and ecosystems , relative stresses on key fish species, direct and indirect effects of diversions on at-risk species.
Paap, Kenneth
kenp@sfsu.edu
(415) 338-7091
Kimmerer, Wim J.
kimmerer@sfsu.edu
415 338 3515
510 555 1212
#0107
Environmental influences on key species and ecosystems , relative stresses on key fish species, Delta smelt-related projects.
Paap, Kenneth
kenp@sfsu.edu
(415) 338-7091
Kimmerer, Wim J.
kimmerer@sfsu.edu
415 338 3515
510 555 1212
#0122
Environmental influences on key species and ecosystems , relative stresses on key fish species, processes controlling Delta water quality.
Lehman, Peggy W., PhD
plehman@water.ca.gov
916-227-7551
916-715-0845