Water Advocacy

While there are many reasons Carmel River Steelhead are endangered, lack of adequate water ranks number one. The Carmel River has been the primary source of water for the Monterey area resulting in over-pumping of the aquifer, thus drying the river. Similarly, local pumping for housing and vineyards results in the drying of most of the river’s tributaries.

With so many people wanting a portion of our limited amount of water, it has been a primary function of CRSA to be an advocate for adequate water for fish. Attending meetings, commenting on environmental documents, protesting excessive water withdrawals, bringing up illegal actions to appropriate bodies as well as illegal actions by public agencies and in general fighting for the rights of fish is a never ending endeavor. Over the years a lot of the benefits for fish have been the result of CRSA actions.