There is broad scientific recognition that a wide range of ecosystem stressors are responsible for the declines in native fish populations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. But science and policymaking have been at odds about the roles of different stressors and the potential of various management actions to improve ecosystem health. In the summer of 2012, PPIC conducted two confidential surveys on the impact of ecosystem stressors: one sought input from scientific experts and the other focused on stakeholders and policymakers. This report analyzes the results and examines the implications of both surveys.
This research was supported with funding from the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Several companion reports contain related findings:
Aquatic Ecosystem Stressors in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Mount et al. 2012) summarizes the science of Delta ecosystem stressors for a policymaking audience.
Costs of Ecosystem Management Actions for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Medell-n-Azuara et al. 2013) assesses costs of water management actions.
Integrated Management of Delta Stressors: Institutional and Legal Options (Gray et al. 2013) lays out proposals for institutional reform of science, management, and regulation.
Stress Relief: Prescriptions for a Healthier Delta Ecosystem (Hanak et al. 2013) summarizes the overall research project and the recommendations it generated.
Where the Wild Things Aren-t: Making the Delta a Better Place for Native Species (Moyle et al. 2012) outlines a realistic long-term vision for achieving a healthier ecosystem.
Topics
Freshwater Ecosystems Water, Land & Air