The Bay Institute Showcases Local Spots Where You Can Still See Wild Salmon Spawning

The Bay Institute Showcases Local Spots Where You Can Still See Wild Salmon
Spawning

NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazingly, there are still places in
the Bay Area and Central Valley where keen-eyed observers can witness one of
nature's miracles: wild salmon spawning. The Bay Institute has just
published an updated map and calendar of top local viewing spots and
information on the best seasons to see salmon in the wild. These free
brochures are available at Aquarium of the Bay, where a new poster exhibit
highlights the life cycle of these extraordinary fish.

"Bay Area and Central Valley residents are fortunate to live within close
driving distance of waterways where they can witness these magnificent but
endangered creatures in their natural habitat," said Tina Swanson, Executive
Director of The Bay Institute. "In addition to visiting these areas, we urge
individuals to consider how their actions affect our salmon and the rivers
they depend on, make smart decisions in their own lives about water and
chemical use, and vote in favor of the environment. It will take all of us
working together to protect and restore these species and the valuable fishery
that, until recently, they supported."

Within the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, Lagunitas Creek and Redwood Creek are top
spots to secure front row seats. In the Central Valley, the number of salmon
running up the American River comes to a crescendo in mid-November; the
Stanislaus River is a leading location for viewing the animals in action; and
the Feather River becomes an underwater interstate for salmon, as well as
steelhead.

Twenty-six species of salmon and steelhead on the West Coast are endangered
due to mismanagement of the rivers, streams and estuaries in which the animals
spawn, grow and migrate. In California, dams on nearly all salmon-producing
streams have eliminated more than 1,000 river miles and 82% of their
historical spawning reaches, and water diversions and pollution in the
remaining accessible rivers can harm or kill both adult and young fish.

Overfishing is not the key culprit in shutting down the commercial salmon
fishing season over the past two years. Mismanagement of our rivers and
streams is the main issue that must be resolved to allow salmon access to
cold, clean water and healthy spawning habitats for the populations to
recover. This year's fall run of Chinook salmon will play a crucial role in
determining whether a historic ban on commercial fishing will stretch into a
third year.

The salmon viewing map was created in collaboration with the SalmonAID
coalition, host of the annual SalmonAID Festival. The Bay Institute is a
proud member of the SalmonAID coalition.

Individuals can also find information on local salmon viewing spots and learn
more about issues facing salmon and what they can do to help, by visiting The
Bay Institute's newly revamped website at www.bay.org.

About The Bay Institute
The Bay Institute is the leader in protecting, restoring and inspiring
conservation of the San Francisco Bay and its watershed -- from the Sierra to
the sea. For 28 years, The Bay Institute has been developing and leading model
scientific research, habitat restoration, education and advocacy programs to
preserve California's most important natural resource.

SOURCE The Bay Institute

Kati Schmidt, +1-415-623-5340, or kati@bay.org