Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
SoCal Steelhead Trout Listed Endangered By State Wildlife Officials
A Southern California steelhead trout in Mission Creek.
(
Mark Capelli
/
Courtesy of California Trout
)
Topline:
Southern California steelhead trout are now listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act after a vote from state wildlife officials Thursday.
Why it matters: Any part or product of the fish cannot be imported or exported out of California, killed, possessed, or sold without proper permits. State agencies are also required to protect the species and its habitat when approving projects. For example, adding a fish passage structure could turn barriers like a flood channel or Metrolink project into a bridge for the species.
Why now: “This landmark decision provides critically important protections for this iconic species, which teeters on the brink of extinction,” Sandra Jacobson, the South Coast and Sierra regions director for California Trout, said in a statement.
The backstory: It’s been a federally endangered species since 1997, but land development and water use in Southern California has continued to impact the steelhead population.
California Trout has been advocating for this action since 2021, when the nonprofit submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission.
What's being done to help: Caltrans is working on a $62 million project along Pacific Coast Highway that will allow the trout to access their habitat and spawn upstream in Solstice Creek.
Sponsored message
California Trout said efforts are underway to try and remove old dams on the Ventura River (Matilija Dam), Malibu Creek (Rindge Dam), Trabuco Creek, and the Santa Margarita River, among others.
Go deeper: Read more about this species in SoCal.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
