For too long, conversations around salmon recovery in California have been framed as “fishermen versus farmers.” The Bridge Group is proving there’s a better way.
This coalition of fishermen, farmers, researchers, and conservationists is working side by side to rebuild robust salmon populations in the Sacramento River Basin. By combining on-the-ground knowledge with the latest science, the group is implementing habitat projects, advancing smarter hatchery release strategies, and supporting salmon migration—all with the shared goal of giving salmon the best chance to survive from the Sacramento River to the Pacific Ocean.
The Bridge Group includes the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, NorCal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association, Northern California Water Association, Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, and the California Rice Commission. With support from UC Davis’ Center for Watershed Sciences and state and federal partners, the coalition is uniquely positioned to react quickly, plan effectively, and deliver real results for salmon recovery. A recent effort, for example, raised 500,000 juvenile salmon in protective net pens in the Tehama-Colusa Canal forebay to help the fish imprint on Sacramento River water—an experiment that may improve the chances of more salmon returning to the upper river as adults.
As a new kind of Northern California conservation coalition, the Bridge Group is setting an example of how collaboration can help both communities and ecosystems. The partners are extending an open invitation to others across the state to join in this important work.
Explore the Full Story and Learn More in our New Resource
We encourage you to read it, share it with others, and join us in spreading the message that collaboration, not conflict, is what will carry California’s salmon recovery forward.
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