"Score one for the fish.

A study by the National Academy of Sciences declared Friday that the efforts to save endangered fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta by restricting water delivery are 'scientifically justified.'

The study was meant to offer a decisive word on an issue that has been referred to as 'fish vs. farms,' with agricultural interests arguing that water diversions are parching their crops and livelihoods.

The authors said the complexity of the issue left them wanting more evidence to determine the best time of the year to impose restrictions, and that 'scientific support for specific flow targets is less certain.'"

Justin Berton reports for the San Francisco Chronicle March 20, 2010. [2]

See Also:

"Scientists' Report only Intensifies Delta Debate" [3] (Los Angeles Times)

"National Academies Deliver Mixed Message on Calif. Delta Dilemma" (New York Times) [4]