Wolk demands answers about massive fish kill in Delta

Hearing uncovers failure in emergency response, coordination, and fish rescue

Rio Vista–Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) convened a special hearing of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee in the city of Rio Vista today to demand answers from state and federal agencies involved in the massive fish kill that claimed the lives of tens of thousands of fish late last month in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

“Everyone is pointing fingers as to why things went wrong. But no one is taking responsibility for the failure to respond,” said Wolk, who chairs the committee, in her opening statement. “Who takes charge in a situation like this? Who takes responsibility? Those questions need to be answered.”

Wolk also challenged the Bureau and State Fish and Game Department’s delays in utilizing volunteer assistance to rescue fish stranded on Prospect Island when water was drained from the area for levee repairs.

Though fisherman were lined up to aid in efforts to rescue surviving fish, as several representatives of the fishing community testified at the hearing, the bureau turned volunteers away until November 30, weeks after the first reports of massive fish deaths on the island.

Bureau and Fish and Game (DFG) representatives testifying at the hearing blamed slow response and hesitance to accept volunteers on liability concerns, permit requests, lack of information, and other bureaucratic delays.

“If we could go back in time I want to assure you that we would have handled the situation differently,” said John Davis, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Regional Director.

Chuck Armor, DFG Regional Manager, said the agency has opened a formal investigation into the loss of fish, and will be working with the Attorney General’s office in the near future. He could not give details on the case.

Wolk stressed the need for stronger coordination on several occasions during the hearing.

“When there is a crisis, it requires action. Someone needs to be in charge. You look at how many agencies are involved here. But no one’s in charge. Unless someone really pulls things together, this will happen again,” said Wolk.

“We need to be more aggressive. We need to test each other. We need to push each other. We need to make sure we’ve done everything we can do.”

“The state needs a plan in place so that we are able to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of future incidents like this,” said Wolk, who is considering legislation to improve future coordination and response, and establish a strong and inclusive governing body that will provide responsible stewardship of Delta resources.

She thanked the sportfishing and local community for their efforts to rescue surviving fish. 

“If we’re going to have major changes in the Delta, major projects, we need to come up with a better way of managing these resources, and including local partners. If the Delta is going to survive, we must look at the big picture.