New information released today suggest efforts to revive the delta fisheries have largely failed. The Sacramento Bee reports that this years trawl by the Department of Fish and Game, shows record low numbers of smelt, American Shad, and Sacramento Splittail, with two others, delta smelt and striped bass at near record lows.

The article suggests that multiple factors are at work, most are man made.

“..including excessive water diversions from the Delta, poor water quality caused by urban and farm runoff, and competition for food from invasive species.”

As we’ve reported earlier, environmental groups successfully sued to stop the pumping of water from the Delta to feed the thirsty maw of Southern California. As of December 29th, 2007 – deliveries will be limited by as much as 30% to customers in the southern end of the state.

State officials are attempting to address the restrictions by developing a comprehensive management plan for the Delta, but that may be too little too late.

Technorati Tags: sacramento delta, sacramento bee, department of Fish and Game, delta fish populations