SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's drought appears to be taking a toll on a threatened fish species.
The Record of Stockton reports that state officials found one Delta smelt during a survey earlier this month of 40 sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The survey by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife typically turns up dozens of smelt, and found 143 three years ago.
The finger-long fish's numbers are considered a measure of conditions in the Delta. Experts say this year's results were sad, but not unexpected.
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Less water in the Delta because of the state's ongoing drought creates saltier conditions. Delta smelt prefer fresher water to breed.