California’s Longfin Smelt Added to Endangered Species List, Sparking Water Distribution Debate Amid Environmental Concerns.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has added a population of California’s longfin smelt to its endangered species list, which could impact distribution of the state’s water. The decision was made after protracted debate between farmers and environmental groups, who argued over the extension of maximum Endangered Species Act protections. The Fish & Wildlife Service cited reduced freshwater flows due to human activities and climate change conditions as the main threats. The listing protects the Bay-Delta distinct population segment of the long fin smelt, which occupies the San Francisco Bay estuary and areas of the Pacific Ocean.