SoCal Steelhead Trout Listed Endangered By State Wildlife Officials

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.

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.