Biology 315 - Estuary Project Paper

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As the San Francisco bay area population continues to increase and applies pressure on natural ecosystems, future efforts involving the wetland restoration around the Delta and Bay will continue to face similar if not more major issues. These issues will involve developing more land, increased water use, greater pollution, and the potential contribution of new non-native species (Callaway, Parker, Vasey, Schile, & Herbert, 2011). This was seen with the Atlantic oyster and the isopod, introduced in 1893, which burrows into the mud banks increasing the erosion rate of the salt marsh. While some introduced species do not thrive in the bay, the ones that do can cause a devastating effect.

Biodiversity

The estuary and its surrounding delta are incredibly rich with biodiversity. It provides a habitat for over half the state’s migrating birds, and about 2/3s of the state’s salmon pass through it to spawn each year in the rivers and streams. It also houses a variety of endangered, threatened, and endemic plants and animals. Sadly, the estuary has lost more than a third of its original inhabitants do to human interference, pollution and habitat destruction. The Center for The San Francisco Estuary Project is working to secure the Endangered Species Act protections for numerous native delta fish species. “The Upper Estuary will require significant investment in restoring critical physical processes (notably freshwater inflows and floods) and habitats, as well as managing non-native species and preventing new arrivals. This will also require much greater efficiencies in human use of the system’s fresh water, as well as changes in upstream water management and policy, to make the conserved water available to nourish the Estuary,” (San Francisco Estuary Project Implementation Committee, 2017). This outlook seems grim but they have been working on restoring the biodiversity as well as the habitat, and have seen results like the Steelhead trout. There are currently over 100 different groups and organizations that focus on preserving different parts of the Estuary and Bay waters. There is currently random testing and sampling in almost every area of the bay to ensure that pollution is down and pH levels and salinity are all sustainable. If anything is found amiss, proactive measures are taken to quickly restore protected areas, like reconstruction or clean up and rescue.

While to some living on the ocean may seem like a dream, it is actually one of the most fragilely balanced ecosystems on the planet. Living near any estuary is even more perilous as you are so close to where much of the waterways begin life. The way that we interact with the estuary has a direct impact on all of us. Reconstructing natural habitat and allowing areas to be reclaimed help, but are not enough alone. Allowing the estuary to thrive will ensure future generations in the region and beyond a sustainable future. Ensuring that you personally take steps at home and your place of work to have sustainable and clean living can make a difference in what you contribute to the world’s population, added together with help from people such as those that work with the San Francisco Estuary Project, we can ensure the future of this marvelous habitat.

References:

Callaway, J.; Parker, T.; Vasey, M.; Schile, L.; Herbert, E. (2011). Tidal Wetland Restoration in San Francisco Bay: History and Current Issues. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science, John Muir Institute of the Environment, UC Davis. Retrieved from: http://www- csgc.ucsd.edu/NEWSROOM/NEWSRELEASES/RESOURCES/2012/ClimateDelta/eSch olarship-UC-item-5dd3n9x3.pdf

Nichols, F. H.; Cloern, J. E.; Luoma, S. N.; and Peterson, D. H. (1986) The modification of an estuary: Science, v. 231, p. 567-573.

Rubissow, Ariel; Marcis, Natalie. (January 1997). San Francisco Estuary Project-Land use and Population. San Francisco Estuary Project. Retrieved from http://sfep.sfei.org/wp- content/uploads/2012/12/15Land_Use-Population.pdf

San Francisco Estuary Project Implementation Committee (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.sfestuary.org/about-the-estuary/soter/

San Francisco Estuary Project Implementation Committee (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.sfestuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Final-CCMP-9-6-07.pdf