logo
Prehistoric giant living in San Francisco Bay sees sharp decline

Prehistoric giant living in San Francisco Bay sees sharp decline

Yahoo12-07-2025
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A prehistoric fish that can grow up to 20 feet in length and is still found in the San Francisco Bay is seeing a steep decline in population across California, according to a new report released this week from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The number of white sturgeons, the largest freshwater fish in the United States, has been monitored in California since 1954. Wildlife officials said population estimates from the 1990s and earlier reached approximately 150,000 or more that were within the legal size to harvest. A five-year survey average between 2016-2021 showed an estimated population of 30,000.
Preliminary results from the new 2024 survey released Wednesday estimated that only 6,447 white sturgeons of harvest size, currently 40 to 60 inches in length, remain in the California population.
White sturgeons can live for more than 100 years and spawn for the first time after reaching 14 to 19 years old. Following the first spawn, the sturgeons continue to spawn every two to five years.
A number of factors have impacted white sturgeon numbers in California, including loss of habitat due to dams, degraded river flows from a highly altered water system, historical sport fishing harvests, poaching and mortality due to toxic algal blooms. A Harmful Algal Bloom event in the summer of 2022 is believed to have killed thousands of sturgeons, according to CDFW.
The 2024 survey was conducted in the spring and fall between San Pablo Bay and Rio Vista. Wildlife officials said the study design was peer-reviewed and is 'the most robust and comprehensive white sturgeon population monitoring survey ever conducted in California.'
In June 2024, white sturgeons were added to a list of candidate species for protection under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). During the review process, white sturgeon receive full CESA protection from harm.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

University of Houston to allow prospective students to waive grades 5 years, older
University of Houston to allow prospective students to waive grades 5 years, older

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

University of Houston to allow prospective students to waive grades 5 years, older

The Brief The University of Houston is the first public university in Texas to implement the revised Academic Fresh Start law. Under the law, students applying or re-applying to Texas public universities can waive grades at least five years or older from consideration. Students must apply for the waiver when they are applying for admission and it can only be used once. Texas - The University of Houston will be implementing the revision to the Academic Fresh Start law, which allows students to waive grades five years old or more. This change will give students a better opportunity to pursue a college degree. What is the Academic Fresh Start Law? Under the Academic Fresh Start law, Texas residents who want to re-enroll in college courses can do so with a clearer record. Any courses taken five or more years before the term you're applying for can be waived and removed from consideration for admission. Once ignored, this coursework cannot be used to satisfy prerequisite or degree requirements at the University of Houston. UH implementing changes Students who choose to waive the coursework must do so at the time they apply for admission, and it can only be used once. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app What they're saying "Academic Fresh Start perfectly aligns with the University of Houston's mission to support student success and it also allows the University to broaden its reach and welcome even more Cougars who are determined to complete their degrees," said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "We are proud to be Texas' first university to offer countless students the fresh start they deserve, while supporting the higher education needs of our state." "I'm thrilled the University of Houston is leading the way on college access for Texans with the adoption of the new Academic Fresh Start policy we passed this session," said State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, a co-sponsor of the bill. "College doesn't have to be everyone's path, but the path should be open to everyone. More Texans will benefit from the opportunity to finish their academic journey as Cougars, going out fiercely into the workforce, earning more and contributing to the Texas Miracle." The Source The University of Houston. Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store