June 10, 2009

Dear Mr. Koepf:
 
Thank you for your letter dated June 9, 2009, regarding the state of California's salmon industry, water shortages and agriculture.  I share your belief that farmers and fishermen have much in common and I agree that the public is misinformed that Delta pumps that provide water to farmers and 25 million Californians are the principle cause behind declining salmon stocks.
 

There is no doubt that both farmers and fishermen are facing economic ruin under the current water supply and regulatory climate.  Salmon numbers are at record lows, which caused the closure of the fishing season during the past two years.  At the same time, water supply cuts related to federal agency-produced biological opinions related to the Delta smelt and more recently Chinook salmon have driven water deliveries from export facilities to the lowest level since the construction of the projects 60 years ago.  
 
While your plan to diversify hatchery programs throughout California seems to be a reasonable and prudent way to help revive your industry, I am concerned by the public comments by those representing California fishing interests who seem to only attack farmers.  Time after time "corporate agribusiness" and the managers who operate the State and federal water supply projects are blamed for the ills of the Delta, which by the way, we agree needs to be fixed.
 
We need more people like you interested in having a serious discussion on things that will truly help fishing AND farming in California.  Only then will we be able to do what's necessary for sustainable ecosystems and watersupplies that we all depend on.
 
Thanks again for your letter.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mike Wade
Executive Director
California Farm Water Coalition