U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes critical habitat for longfin smelt

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes designating 91,630 acres of critical habitat for the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population segment of the longfin smelt. This proposed critical habitat spans key areas within the estuary, focusing on essential features such as food availability, appropriate turbidity, suitable temperatures, and adequate water flow — all crucial for supporting the successful spawning and rearing of the species.

Longfin smelt are found along the Pacific Coast of the United States from Alaska to California. The longfin smelt is a small iridescent fish 3.5 to 4.3 inches long with a short lifespan of 2 to 3 years. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the population of Bay-Delta longfin smelt as endangered in July 2024 due to significant declines throughout the San Francisco Bay estuary in recent decades. Bay-Delta longfin smelt are found in open water areas in both fresh and saltwater habitats from the estuary to the Farallon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 

Designating areas as critical habitat does not establish a refuge or sanctuary for a species. Critical habitat is a tool to guide federal agencies in fulfilling their conservation responsibilities by requiring them to consult with the Service to ensure that actions they plan to undertake, fund, or authorize do not destroy or adversely modify that habitat. It does not allow the government or public to access private lands or require non-federal landowners to restore habitat or recover species.

Comments on the proposed critical habitat designations must be received within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register on January 15, 2025. Information on how to submit comments is available at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS-R8-ES-2024-0131. 

- FWS –

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media:   Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.