The decision to suspend the Fall X2 water releases this year has been met with significant backlash from environmental groups, who fear it poses an added threat to the delta smelt. Gary Bobker, senior policy director for Friends of the River, warned that the species could face extinction soon, stating, "At this time next year, we may be looking at the extinction of a fish species that was once incredibly abundant... it will have been completely preventable."
In contrast to the environmental concerns, water managers from large agencies argue that the requirement for additional flows is outdated and counterproductive. They believe that the suspension of the Fall X2 releases will help preserve critical water supplies in reservoirs, indicating that current scientific findings suggest these releases do not benefit delta smelt recovery as previously thought.
The coalition opposing the suspension argues that the Fall X2 water releases are essential for the survival of the delta smelt, emphasizing that the species' significant decline raises alarms about its future. State water contractors assert that recent research undermines the benefits of these water pulses, arguing that adapting management strategies is crucial to balancing water supply and environmental needs.
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