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Delta Smelt Biological Opinion

Case Number # 1027

The tiny smelt that lives in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has been declining for years. Studies clearly indicate that increasing diversions of water would harm the fish, but the administration decided to proceed anyway. Earthjustice and NRDC sued to block an offending biological opinion.

The court ruled in our favor in December 2007.

Bay Institute
California Trout
Friends of the River
Natural Resources Defense Council

Press Releases

Groups Challenge Bush-Era Central Valley Water Contracts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Flawed water management plans shortchange wildlife, Delta
New Biological Opinion Will Protect San Francisco Bay-Delta
Monday, December 15, 2008
State and federal water projects operators must protect native fish from extinction
Court Finalizes Order to Protect Bay-Delta, Smelt and Water Supply for Millions of Californians
Friday, December 14, 2007
Plaintiffs hope it's not too late to restore ailing estuary, as biologists see record collapse in fishery numbers
Former Wildlife Official a "Blemish" to Interior Department Integrity
Friday, July 20, 2007
Bush administration to reconsider politically-motivated Endangered Species Act decisions
Federal Judge Throws Out Biological Opinion for Threatened Delta Smelt
Friday, May 25, 2007
Ruling means state and federal water projects may be required to reduce pumping to protect fish from extinction
Conservation Groups Challenge Decision Allowing More Delta Water Exports
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Federal plan to increase water diversions from San Francisco Bay-Delta will harm imperiled native fish, water quality
Conservation Groups Seek Intervention to Protect Delta Smelt
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
Industry and water district lawsuits seek delisting of protected species
Environmentalists & Fishermen Intervene to Block Water Grab
Monday, June 3, 2002
Farm irrigators oppose balanced approach that protects wildlife
Delta Water Export Pumps Killing Two Protected Fish Species
Friday, January 11, 2002
Environmentalists, Sport and Commercial Fishermen File Notice of Intent to Sue for Enforcement of Endangered Species Act in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta