Fund and Implement Habitat Projects and Reduce Predation to Juvenile Salmon

Public agencies fund and implement projects that improve aquatic habitat conditions and reduce predation risk for juvenile salmon. 

Measure Details

Juvenile salmon use the Delta for rearing and outmigration. State and federal agencies conduct studies and implement projects that improve habitat conditions and reduce predation risk for juvenile salmonids migrating through the Delta. Below are studies and projects that have been implemented in recent years:

1. In 2025, the 2025 Progress Report of the California Salmon Strategy summarizes completed and ongoing habitat restoration projects that benefit juvenile salmon including completed first phase of the Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration Project. 
2. In 2024, federal and state agencies signed an agreement for Floodplain Forward Coalition to enhance flood protection and wildlife habitat in the Sacramento River Basin. 
3. In 2023, DWR installed bioacoustics fish fence to discourage juvenile salmon from entering Georgiana Slough and reduce predation losses during the September-May migration season. Installation and operation of the fence is planned through 2030. 
4. In 2020-2021, the Delta Stewardship Council's Delta Science Program funded research to Comparing the impact of predation on the outmigration mortality of all Central Valley salmon ecotypes relative to other habitat related covariates.

Delta Plan Strategy

Prevent Introduction of and Manage Nonnative Species Impacts

Delta Plan Recommendation

ER R “I.” Fund Projects to Improve Survival of Juvenile Salmon  

Public agencies should fund and implement projects that improve aquatic habitat conditions and reduce predation risk for juvenile salmon along the priority migration corridors identified in Chapter 4, Figure 4-8. Projects that could improve survival of juvenile salmon include levee setbacks and waterside habitat improvements, placement of fish guidance structures, and nonnative aquatic weed management.