Listed as an endangered species since 1997, “in this case the species is the coastal rainbow trout” that elsewhere has flourished enough to be listed on the list of 100 invasive species.“Unfortunately, it’s not doing as well here,” noted Kentosh. “The last adult we saw was 2001, and they cannot get upstream without us seeing them.”Even though not observed traveling upstream for breeding purposes Kentosh said that about 100 babies annually are observed headed downstream.The goal for the Santa Clara River is 4,000 adults, one-size-fits all count also allotted to other state rivers.“Recovery goals are being set so high the fish probably are never going to recover, we’ll probably always have endangered steelhead trout,” said Kentosh especially when faced with the challenge of directing the fish “if they don’t want to go there...”The endangered species has triggered lawsuits and more and more federal intervention in issues that could include other water issues.Kentosh said that one federal program was calculated at $10 million for each returning salmon.Such emphasis could present a large impact on water resources, “but we’re not really going to see an impact until we have a drought...we’re continuing the dialogue,” he noted.
Water everywhere as GMSP! tackles water issues, bottled and otherwise
May 30, 2007
Santa Paula News
It was water, water everywhere but nary a drop to drink as Good Morning Santa Paula! featured two speakers addressing water issues, bottled and otherwise.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesIt was water, water everywhere but nary a drop to drink as Good Morning Santa Paula! featured two speakers addressing water issues, bottled and otherwise.PW Environmental’s Bob Orlando hosted the Chamber sponsored event held at The Grove at the Glen Tavern Inn.Professor Fred Rosenberg of California Lutheran University said that the popularity of bottled water is reflected in 2005 sales of about “$10 billion” for bottlers.Although there are taste and convenience issues bottled water costs “about a thousand times more than what comes out of the tap” and bottled water has become a pricey restaurant menu staple.Buying bottled water is a matter of preference that should not be based on quality noted Rosenberg.Bottled water mandates are stricter in Europe: “People know what they’ve been getting for a long, long time...a colleague in Europe says bottle water here is like cheese, you have to acquire a taste for it.”And, Rosenberg said, get used to the idea that bottled water also contains organisms and that “glass is the unit of choice” although the cost is greater.Jim Kentosh of United Water Conservation District said that the steelhead trout recovery plan remains a challenging priority.
