One of the most frequently discussed animals in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is fish. From the anadromous life cycle of the salmon to the controversial and little-understood Delta smelt to invasive species such as the largemouth bass, few animals have a larger impact on water policy and infrastructure in the Delta than the dozens of native and introduced fish found there, especially those species considered endangered. On our annual Bay-Delta Tour, June 14 -16, you will spend three days immersed in a number of water-related topics; one of these is fish. Most notable is the endangered smelt, whose protections have at times halted the pumps that send water from the Delta to Southern California.

But do you know what a Delta smelt smells like? You’ll experience it firsthand as well as see the most cutting-edge aquaculture techniques at the UC Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Lab. By the way, they smell like cucumbers. Want to see one of the largest fish diversion facilities on the West Coast? You’ll tour the John E. Skinner Delta Fish Protective Facility and see how California protects fish while transporting water throughout the state. Want to learn about California’s vital fishing industry? Noah Oppenheim, executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and the Institute for Fisheries Resources, will update us on ever-changing conditions and markets. You’ll also see fish and other aquatic life up close at the Aquarium of the Bay. All the while, fish biologists and water transport engineers will accompany us for all three days to answer questions and provide insight.

Register here for this educational – and fun – tour being held June 14 -16. Don’t delay, this tour always sells out and our buses are filling up quickly.  For an additional fee, you can receive continuing education credits for the tour.

Click here for information about all of our tours or email Tour Director Dan Scott for more details.