California's Salmon and Steelhead: The Struggle to Restore an Imperiled Resource

California's salmon and steelhead populations have declined by 80% due to dams, irrigation diversions, and river pollution. This volume explores the historical, economic, cultural, and political aspects of the decline and offers practical suggestions for reversing it. It includes contributions from Indians, commercial trollers, biologists, fishery managers, and other stakeholders. The book is part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, which makes high-quality scholarship accessible again.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

California's rivers were once teeming with millions of salmon and steelhead, providing a bountiful and sustainable food source for the region's indigenous people. However, over time, dams and irrigation diversions have reduced the natural spawning habitat of these fish, from an estimated 6,000 miles to fewer than 300. River pollution has also taken a toll on fish populations, leading to a staggering 80 percent decline in recent decades. One species, the San Joaquin River spring chinook, became extinct shortly after World War II, while many others are on the brink of extinction.

This comprehensive volume explores the reasons behind the decline and presents practical solutions for reversing it. The California salmon story is presented from a human perspective, encompassing its historical, economic, cultural, and political aspects, as well as its biological dimensions. While some of the material has been available for half a century, no comparable work has been published to date.

The contributions in this volume feature a diverse range of voices, including Indians whose history is intertwined with the survival of the salmon and steelhead upon which they rely; commercial trollers who witness the vanishing of their livelihood and unique lifestyle; biologists and fishery managers concerned about the loss of river water suitable for fish and the impact of hatcheries on native gene pools; women who fish as a means of sustenance; conservation-minded citizens; foresters; economists; outdoor writers; engineers; politicians; and city youth who are actively restoring streambeds.

The fate of California's salmon and steelhead has far-reaching consequences for all Californians. It affects their livelihoods, cultural practices, and overall well-being. The decline of these fish species is a stark reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources, and it underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing our rivers and ecosystems.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which celebrates the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and ideas. By publishing works that explore the past, present, and future of California, UC Press aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the state's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520365827