The Longfin Smelt: Another Fish, Another Water Grab

The California Water Alliance has another update

Introducing The Longfin Smelt!

Dear concerned citizens of California in desperate need of water:

I’m the Longfin Smelt. I’m different from the Delta Smelt, but I’m about to give you nightmares – just like that other little guy has for years. Here’s why…

Just when it seemed California’s water supply couldn’t face more restrictions, a new regulatory hurdle has emerged: and it’s me. Listed as endangered by the Biden administration in its final months despite my abundant population, I’m already triggering major water cutbacks. With new restrictions in place, California’s water users are facing even more limits, bringing reduced water deliveries and greater uncertainty for farms, businesses, and communities. You’re welcome. . .

What now???

Like clockwork, and just like the havoc the Delta Smelt has unleashed on water supplies – the listing of the Longfin Smelt immediately led to reduced pumping at the Jones Pumping Plant, which has been constrained for the last week, and will undoubtedly be longer. From January 19th through January 26th, a protection action triggered for the Longfin Smelt reduced water exports by 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) per day, resulting in a total loss of approximately 21,000 acre-feet (TAF).

That’s almost Seven Billion Gallons, or enough water for almost 50,000 California families for a year. Although the restriction has been lifted for now, it could easily be reimposed if regulators decide to do so.

These new restrictions come on top of previous limitations caused by Delta smelt protections, including the turbidity bridge and first flush restrictions:

• First Flush (Dec. 19, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025): 83,000 Acre feet LOST

• Turbidity Bridge (Jan. 15 – Jan. 19, 2025): Cost ~12,000 Acre feet LOST

• Total Water Loss from Recent Smelt Protections: 116,000 Acre feet LOST

Who’s To Blame?

The Biden Administration – Federal regulators rushed this listing at the 11th hour, ensuring even more water restrictions under the guise of species protection. This decision has already cost California 21 TAF in just one week, with more losses likely to follow.

Governor Newsom & California Bureaucracy – The state had already listed the Longfin smelt as endangered, but instead of fighting for California’s water users, Newsom’s team and allies cheered and encouraged the federal listing, further strangling water exports. While proclaiming he’s FOR more water deliveries recently, state leaders continue to enable the assault on water users in the state.

Extreme Environmental Activists – These groups have been pushing for more restrictions for years, despite no clear evidence that these protections actually help smelt populations—and in the case of the Longfin smelt, there’s a legitimate debate about whether it is even in real danger. Their real agenda? Limiting water availability to Central Valley agriculture and communities under the guise of conservation.

The Longfin Smelt Reality Check

Rarely Seen Near the Pumps – Despite all the hysteria, the longfin smelt is almost never found near the pumps in the Delta. So why are we shutting down critical water operations to protect something that isn’t there?

An “Endangered” Abundance – This species is not functionally extinct—in fact, Longfin smelt populations exist in other parts of the West Coast outside of the Delta. Yet, regulators treat this as a crisis, forcing California’s water consumers to pay the price.

A Convenient Excuse – This is just another tool for the state and federal government to impose even more pumping restrictions under the guise of environmental protection, further crippling water deliveries to Central Valley farmers and communities.

Which Administration Can Be Trusted to Deliver Water?

• Under President Trump’s leadership, Delta pumping increased, and regulatory policies prioritized people and farms over bureaucratic inefficiency.

• Under Biden and Newsom, environmental regulations have tightened, water exports have declined, and every new listing—like the Longfin smelt—adds another layer of restrictions, making it harder to get water where it’s needed.

The numbers don’t lie—water deliveries were stronger under Trump. Now, with the Longfin smelt being used as another tool to cut pumping, the trend under Biden/Newsom is only getting worse.

Moving Forward

The California Water Alliance urges policymakers to reject these extreme, politically driven water restrictions and demand regulatory reform that protects California’s people, farms, and economy – not just another fish.

It’s time to call out these water policies for what they are: a systematic effort to reduce water exports under the pretense of environmental protection. California deserves better.

www.californiawateralliance.org • (559) 281-9088

Media inquiries: William Bourdeau (559) 210-1471