Decades of overpumping the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and greed-driven water mismanagement has lead California to a critical moment in its environmental history. 

Only two Delta smelt were identified in the state's last fish survey--the lowest count in 50 years. Now more than ever, this small but mighty indicator species needs fresh water to flow through the Delta, but the federal and state government have other plans. 

While Delta smelt swim a fine line between survival and extinction, the Trump Administration is putting together a plan to maximize exports out of the Delta, the state government is continuing to do the same under the guise of a different name: the CA WaterFix, or Delta Tunnels proposal. 

If either executive body has their way, the Delta smelt will be the first fish species to become extinct in the United States since the Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973, and we lose our lifeline to understanding the state of the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas. 

If the Delta smelt are lost for good, California will lose:

• Iconic salmon runs and aquatic species up the Delta smelt food chain

• Hundreds of job opportunities for sustainable anglers and commercial fishermen 

• Livelihoods and fisheries for Northern California tribes, such as the Winnemem Wintu Tribe

• Protections that have positive water quality benefits for Delta farmers, Delta urban residents, and SF Bay Area residents

• Our environmental heritage

We can’t let this happen. And we can’t do it without you. 

To stand up for the Delta smelt and all it represents, we will march together from the CalEPA Building to the Federal Building and then end at the State Capitol, demanding our elected officials take action to restore the Delta smelt’s strength in numbers. 

As we march side by side this spawning season, we are walking proof that there is strength in numbers and the Delta is for lovers. 

Please join us as we march in reverence and of this year’s Delta smelt spawning season.