Save Santa Barbara Steelhead
Lobero Theatre FREE Town Hall Gathering to support the “Save Santa Barbara Steelhead” Campaign
For thousands of years, steelhead used our region’s rivers and streams for spawning and rearing of young fish and then migrated to the ocean to grow and mature. Since the 1950’s we have lost 99% of these fish due to dams, over-fishing and barriers to migration.
Steelhead are our most unique fish. They are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater where they spend up to 3 years, then swim to the ocean. The ocean is where they grow into large adults (10-20 lbs.) and, when sexually ready, they return to their streams of origin to reproduce (spawn). They need all three elements we humans love about the Santa Barbara area – the ocean, the fresh water streams, and the mountains.
The construction of dams, roads & barriers in the 1900s has dramatically reduced access to their natal streams and high altitudes with suitable conditions for survival. Today, Southern Steelhead are nearing extinction and declared endangered under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.
An esteemed panel will speak about the history of steelhead in our region, what has gone wrong that has put them on the Endangered Species list, and what we must do today to save them from extinction. Panel speakers will come from the Santa Ynez band of Chumash Indians, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Enviro Defense Center, The Cachuma Project, Cal Trout, Koehler Winery, and Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper.
The Grace Fisher Foundation will be present on the Lobero Esplanade from 11am – 4pm featuring art for sale from Grace, and an interactive community art project celebrating the conservation of the endangered Southern California Steelhead.
Attend to find out how you can help Santa Barbara Fly Fishers save Santa Barbara Steelhead! We need you!!
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