Grantee Research Project Results
Mechanisms Determining Generation Time of the Threatened Delta Smelt in San Francisco Estuary
EPA Grant Number: FP916319Title: Mechanisms Determining Generation Time of the Threatened Delta Smelt in San Francisco Estuary
Investigators: Honey, Kristen T.
Institution: University of California - Santa Cruz
EPA Project Officer: Lee, Sonja
Project Period: January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: $108,876
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Aquatic Ecology and Ecosystems , Academic Fellowships
Objective:
The objective of my research is to combine fieldwork, laboratory research, and mathematical modeling to better inform policy decisions about the delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) a fish endemic to San Francisco Estuary-Delta.
Approach:
Listed as threatened, this tiny fish exerts a major influence upon state water management. Because its habitat overlaps with Delta pumping facilities that transfer California water, the listed status of the fish can shut down water operations and create conflict between managing water for environmental protection and for water users. Such a “smeltdown” impacts California’s economies, ecosystems, and 23 million users that depend on the Delta for fresh water. My research emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to better understand mechanisms driving delta smelt population levels . I hope to facilitate additional communication and collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, California Bay-Delta Authority, University of California campuses, water operators, and concerned California citizens.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, delta smelt, San Francisco Estuary-Delta, environmental protection, communication, fish, regulatory agencies, California, CA, water operations management,, RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Aquatic Ecosystem, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Biology, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, marine biology, conservation biology, endangered species, environmental policy impact, modeling ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, generation timeRelevant Websites:
2004 STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference Poster (PDF, 1p., 308KB, about PDF)
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.