The recent Bay-Delta Updates Workshop held by the State Water Resources Control Board on November 22, 2024, highlighted critical concerns regarding the protection of endangered salmon species in California's rivers. The discussions centered on the inadequacy of current water temperature standards, particularly those outlined in water right order 90-5 and the North Coast and Central Valley Basin Plans.

Experts emphasized that the existing temperature objective of 56 degrees Fahrenheit is detrimental to the survival of Trinity coho and Chinook salmon. Scientific findings indicate that optimal spawning temperatures for these species should be significantly lower—53.5 degrees for Chinook and between 48 to 50 degrees for coho. The current standard is reportedly lethal to 100% of Trinity salmon eggs, raising urgent calls for updated temperature protections.

Participants urged the board to implement a more robust mitigation strategy, which includes establishing an enforceable minimum cold water pool for the Trinity Reservoir. They argued that the existing carryover storage requirement of 600,000 acre-feet by September 30 is insufficient, as noted by the Bureau of Reclamation's own scientists. A 2012 report from the Bureau underscored the need for a reevaluation of these standards to ensure the survival of salmon populations.

The meeting concluded with strong recommendations for revising water right order 90-5 or conducting a separate hearing focused on the Trinity River. Advocates expressed frustration with the current plans, labeling them inadequate for protecting both the Trinity River and the broader Bay-Delta ecosystem. They urged the board to take decisive action to prevent the extinction of California's salmon species, emphasizing the long-term implications of their decisions on the state's environmental legacy.

As the board considers these recommendations, the future of California's salmon populations hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical need for effective water management strategies that prioritize ecological health.