BAY DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Smelt in Hot Water: Is Thermal Stress the Final Blow for Delta Smelt?

Studies show fall water temperatures may play more of a role in Delta smelt survival than flow augmentation Managing freshwater outflow in late winter-early spring to maintain the Low-Salinity Zone in Suisun Bay has been one of the primary management strategies for supporting Delta Smelt and their habitat. Meanwhile, fall flows have declined over time due to freshwater exports and the Low-Salinity Zone has been located upstream where physical habitat is thought to be poor quality. As a result, fall … Continue reading BAY DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Smelt in Hot Water: Is Thermal Stress the Final Blow for Delta Smelt?