LAKEPORT— This week the Lake County Board of Supervisors revisited the consideration of a draft proclamation declaring an emergency for endangered Clear Lake Hitch.
Fred Feyrer from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) presented in depth regarding the Hitch, which they have monitored since 2017 after being requested to do so by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. When they first started the process, they averaged one and a half to two fish per net sample, declining to catching one fish per 30 net samples in 2022.
Feyrer explained that the hitch only live five to six years and how the decline over the past six years has led to fewer juveniles, stating “Imagine no babies being born into the human population for 50 or 60 years. It wouldn’t be good.” Feyrer also explained dissolved oxygen levels, and how the Hitch thrive in highly oxygenated waters, leading to some of the dead fish seen on the lake.
Flow measurements from the USGS Kelsey Creek gauge show a direct relation to increased flow from rain storms. Since 2017 the flow has slowed due to less rain. Feyrer noted, “The physical habitat in the streams now has altered such that the physical habitat does not match the hydrology.” The changes in environment has led to the desiccation of eggs after they are exposed to air, resulting in the decline of juveniles. Through their monitoring program, the USGS discovered that there are several species of fish experiencing the same recruitment failure, including large mouth bass. The USGS is working collaboratively with other agencies on developing a hypothesis as to the cause of this overall decline.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier inquired if there was any other data that may be similar or useful in this situation to which Feyrer responded, “It’s definitely not just a water issue. We have had really wet years and really dry years since we started the program. Despite all of that we have continually declining juveniles.” He also discussed some historical data from UC Davis that he said could help them get a bigger picture of what’s occurring.
Michael Wagner from Kelseyville asked for clarification as to the monitoring process. Feyrer responded explaining that they come out for two weeks at a time with their nets and sample during that time. He further clarified that they are not responsible for further water quality control and testing in the waters around Clear Lake.
Kris McCloud, Tribal Council member for Big Valley Rancheria asked how much time the Hitch has before extinction. Feyrer could not answer that question as he said there are too many variables. “It’s not a good scene.” McCloud further asked about monitoring during spawning season, which does not align with the time they spend sampling, and also about the time that has elapsed since the original notice of the decline was made.
The board discussed possible funding, some of which is tied in with the Middle Creek Restoration Project which can take several months. District 4 Supervisor Michael Green said, “Emergency proclamations can be useful tools to draw attention and funding to certain issues.” Also discussed was a task force focused on the issue and who would have a seat at that table. Ultimately the board unanimously approved the draft proclamation declaring an emergency for the Hitch.
More information of the board of supervisors, meetings, agendas, and video can be found on the county website www.lakecounty.co.gov.
