The number of chinook salmon returning from the Pacific Ocean to California's Sacramento River is near record lows and points to an "unprecedented collapse," according to fisheries managers. In 2007, only about 90,000 adult chinook returned to the Sacramento River, down from about 277,000 in 2006 and a high of over 800,000 in 2002. Even more troubling, juvenile chinook salmon numbers last year hit a new low with only about 2,000 of them returning. Counts of young salmon typically foreshadow adult numbers in later years, so for now the outlook is particularly bleak. The executive director of the Pacific Fishery Management Council summarized the situation as a possible "unprecedented collapse" and hinted to fellow councilors that they'll be considering harsh restrictions on salmon fishing this year because of it -- possibly an outright ban. The council meets to discuss the issue in March; a final decision will be made in April.
better news for CALIFORNIA:
The Republican debate spawned at least one memorable surprise: all four GOP candidates appeared to express support for California in its battle with the U.S. EPA to get a waiver it needs to implement its greenhouse-gas emissions standards for vehicles. The Bush administration denied the waiver in December, arguing that recent changes to federal fuel-efficiency standards in the energy bill eclipsed the need for California's tougher rules. But at the debate, John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee all said they supported California based on the conservative ideal of states' rights trumping federal concerns. Ron Paul also voiced support for California, though on characteristically libertarian grounds, making sure to toss in an appeal to strengthen property rights.
California officials are aiming to spur development of less-toxic chemicals as safer alternatives to widely used toxics and will today unveil their proposals to kick-start the "green chem" revolution. One idea that's not included on the list of over 800 proposals is additional bans or restrictions on the use of toxic chemicals. Instead, ideas range from grants for R&D to beefing up consumer-protection laws to changing the enforcement system and training more green chemists. California eco-groups were generally hopeful, but said the state needs to do more to decrease citizens' toxic-chemical exposure. Exposure to toxics costs California residents an estimated $2.6 billion a year in lost wages and medical expenses, according to a recent study. In July, final recommendations will be sent to Gov. Schwarzenegger.
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