| WHY FISH FRIENDLY? |
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| The Coho salmon and steelhead trout in northern and central California
rivers are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. In
California central coast rivers, Coho salmon were listed in 1995 and steelhead
trout were listed in 1997. In northern California rivers, Coho salmon
were listed in February 2004 and steelhead trout were listed in 2000. Many
different land uses - urban sprawl, reservoirs, gravel mining, roads and
highways, water diversions, grazing and logging as well as agriculture
have caused the decline of steelhead trout and salmon in California. Fish
Friendly Farming (FFF) provides a comprehensive approach for grapegrowers
to restore habitat for these endangered species. Many farmers are
avid fisherman and willing to implement practices that will recover salmon
and steelhead populations. |
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| Steelhead trout and Coho salmon have a complex lifecycle
involving freshwater streams and rivers and the ocean. View
Salmon Lifecycle These fish
species are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health. Their recovery
and conservation requires that human activities meet high environmental
standards. The lifecycle and habitat needs of the salmon and steelhead
trout form the basis for the Fish Friendly Farming program. |
Cold water pool supports juvenile steelhead
trout |
Spawning riffle |
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| In fall and winter, adult salmon and steelhead migrate into
their home river and creek to spawn. Eggs are laid directly into
the creekbed where they will need cold, high-quality water flows for 4
to 6 weeks to develop into small fish. These tiny fish, called "fry", emerge
from the gravel into a pool where they will need shady, cool water (65° F
or less) with large logs or root wads for shelter and a steady supply of
aquatic insect larvae or floating adult insects. The juvenile salmon
and steelhead remain in freshwater for one to four years before migrating
downstream to the ocean where they develop into large adults. |
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| The fish's habitat requirements are met when farmers use
the FFF program's fastidious Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) for: |
- soil and water conservation
- restoration and revegetation of riparian corridors along both major
creeks and small hillside creeks
- repair and careful management of roads to reduce sediment
- limited chemical use.
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| By providing for the habitat needs of
endangered salmon and steelhead, Fish Friendly Farming benefits
both the aquatic ecosystem and terrestrial wildlife. |
