San Mateo County has been participating in the Fisheries Network for the Central California Coastal Counties (FishNet 4C). Through this vehicle we have worked with other Coastal Counties to explore local policies which impact endangered and threatened fish species. One result of this participation has been the development of new policies in our Public Works Department.
Supervisor Rich Gordon and Supervisor Jerry Hill are the designated representatives from San Mateo County to the FishNet 4C governance committee.
The state and federal agencies that have resource responsibilities including the Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service have been meeting as a “Fish Passage Forum”. This group has been looking at issues related to barriers (including road crossings, culverts, irrigation diversions, and dams) which impact the ability of anadromous salmonids to navigate upstream to spawning areas. Key to the possible success of the Fish Passage Forum is the fact that CalTrans has also been participating in the forum.
The agencies believe that it will enhance their standing as a group and assure agency participation if they have a formal Memorandum of Understanding for the Fish Passage Forum. FishNet 4C has been asked to be a “contributing signatory” to the MOU. FishNet 4C staff has been participating in the forum and will continue to participate. Other than staff time, there is no cost to FishNet 4C and no cost to San Mateo County related to signing the MOU.
At the last meeting of the FishNet 4C governance committee it was agreed that each of the six member counties would seek authorization from their respective Boards of Supervisors to allow FishNet 4C to become a contributing signatory. Once a majority of the six member counties have provided authorization approval, the Chair of FishNet 4C will sign the MOU. If the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors provides authorization, the clerk of the Board of Supervisors will be asked to forward a letter to Supervisor Steve Kinsey (Marin County), Chair of FishNet 4C indicating support from San Mateo County.
A copy of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding for the Fish Passage Forum is attached.
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