Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory (DARI) version 1.1 GIS Data

Delta Aquatic Resource Inventory (DARI) is a detailed base map of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's aquatic features that include wetlands, open water, streams, ditches, and tidal marshes. DARI was developed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and heads up digitizing, with true color imagery, LiDAR, and a suite of ancillary data sources to consistently map aquatic resources throughout the Delta. The draft GIS dataset was reviewed by regional wetland scientists and stakeholders to ensure it is accurate as possible.

Forum on PFAS elevates the perspectives of local fishing communities

Known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of fluorine-rich specialty chemicals. Thousands of different PFAS are registered for use in consumer, commercial and industrial applications. Increased use has led to the widespread presence of PFAS in our natural environment, including San Francisco Bay. PFAS are a high priority for action at federal, state, and local levels due to the well-documented toxic properties of key members of this class of contaminants. 

Landscape Scenario Planning Tool

This project is a tool for planning scenarios of landscape-scale restoration. The tool is designed to inform ongoing and future restoration planning efforts. In particular, this tool will help inform implementation of restoration objectives as described in the Delta Plan, as well as the ongoing Ecosystem Amendment to Chapter 4.

Sediment for Survival

This project analyzes current data and climate projections to determine how much sediment may be available for tidal marshes and mudflats and how much sediment may be needed under different future scenarios. By combining these forecasts with scientific knowledge of natural physical and biological processes, we offer a strategy for sediment delivery that will allow these wetlands to survive a changing climate and provide benefits to people and nature for many decades to come.

A Synthesis of Microplastic Sources and Pathways to Urban Runoff

What do clothes dryers and car tires have in common? Both release microplastic pollution into the environment, according to a new investigation by scientists at the San Francisco Estuary Institute. 

A Synthesis of Microplastic Sources and Pathways to Urban Runoff

Moran, K.; Miller, E.; Mendez, M.; Moore, S.; Gilbreath, A.; Sutton, R.; Lin, D. 2021. A Synthesis of Microplastic Sources and Pathways to Urban Runoff. SFEI Contribution No. 1049. San Francisco Estuary Institute: Richmond, CA.

California Senate Bill 1263 (2018) tasks the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) with leading statewide efforts to address microplastic pollution, and requires the OPC to adopt and implement a Statewide Microplastics Strategy related to microplastic materials that pose an emerging concern for ocean health. Key questions remain about the sources and pathways of microplastics, particularly to urban runoff, to inform an effective statewide microplastics management strategy. The OPC funded this work to inform these microplastics efforts. The purpose of this project was to build conceptual models that synthesize and integrate our current understanding of microplastic sources and pathways to urban runoff in order to provide future research priorities that will inform how best to mitigate microplastic pollution. Specifically, we developed conceptual models for cigarette butts and associated cellulose acetate fibers (Section 2), fibers other than cellulose acetate (Section 3), single-use plastic foodware and related microplastics (Section 4), and tire particles (Section 5), which were prioritized based on findings from the recent urban stormwater monitoring of microplastics in the San Francisco Bay region. Conceptual models specific to each of these particle types are valuable tools to refine source identification and elucidate potential source-specific data gaps and management options.

Newly published research sheds light on the future of the California quail

The Journal of Applied Ecology has just published research by Kelly Iknayan of the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) and co-authors from the Presidio Trust and SFEI that will help to guide a joint study on the feasibility of bringing back the native California quail to San Francisco. 

Need for Habitat Mapping

Having an accurate basemap is critical for monitoring and assessing our valuable habitats and supporting their restoration and protection. To assist with developing these important resources, USEPA has funded two mapping projects to develop basemaps in the Delta and Baylands.

The EcoAtlas Site Mitigation Tool can be used to prioritize, plan, and track aquatic habitat projects in the watershed context.

The EcoAtlas Site Mitigation Tool (Mitigation Tool) can be used to prioritize, plan, and track aquatic habitat projects in the watershed context. The Mitigation Tool is specifically designed to support the Watershed Approach for compensatory mitigation planning and assessment called for in the State Water Resources Control Board Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State. The Mitigation Tool can also support permits administered by US Army Corps of Engineers and US Environmental Protection Agency, under section 404(b)(1) of the US Clean Water Act. 

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