Smelt Monitoring Team

The Smelt Monitoring Team (SMT) is a technical team that evaluates up-to-date biological and technical issues regarding Delta Smelt. The SMT develops information for consideration by Reclamation in its implementation to reduce adverse effects of Delta operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) to Delta Smelt.

The SMT consists of experts in Delta Smelt biology from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Water Resources, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The working group will have weekly phone conferences to discuss, review, and synthesize information related to project operations and fisheries issues.

The team will:

  • Review and synthesize information on species abundance, species distribution, life stage transitions, and relevant physical parameters to inform real-time management of Delta operations;
  • Review annually project operations in the Delta and the collected data from ongoing monitoring programs;
  • Evaluate OMR Management in reducing mortality or impairment of essenti
  • al behaviors of Delta Smelt; and
  • Coordinate with the Salmon Monitoring Team to maximize benefits to all listed species.

The SMT provides annual written reports to Reclamation, California Department of Water Resources, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Annual reports include a summary of major actions taken during the year to implement Delta OMR Management Actions as well as salvage and loss of listed fish, an evaluation of their effectiveness, and recommendations for future actions.

Meeting Notes

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Last Updated: 12/12/23