UC Blogs

Salmon returning in record numbers to the Russian River

California Sea Grant reported this week that a record number of coho salmon were counted in the downstream portions of the Russian River system in western Sonoma County, offering a glimmer of hope that recovery of the endangered silver salmon will be possible.

Adult coho also appear to be reproducing in some of their historical tributaries for the first time since biologists began visually counting, tagging and trapping fish in 2005. The fish appear to be occupying more tributaries of the river system, including some un-stocked creeks.

"There is still a long road to recovery of coho salmon, but the trend is certainly promising," the Sea Grant news release quoted Paul Olin, who oversees the monitoring component of the Russian River Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program.

The program is a broad coalition of government agencies, scientists and private landowners dedicated to bringing back productive salmon runs. UC Cooperative Extension is a member.

Wild coho salmon fry in Felta Creek, part of the Russian River watershed. (Photo: California Sea Grant)

Curious? Be There!

It's top secret as to what's in those drawers.And they're not letting the secret out until Saturday, Dec. 3. What it is: the UC Davis Art/Science...

This little critter will be displayed at the Cabinets of Curiosity show on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Davis. (Photo courtesy of Anna Davidson)

This little critter will be displayed at the Cabinets of Curiosity show on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Davis. (Photo courtesy of Anna Davidson)

What is it? A student meshed art with science. (Photo courtesy of Anna Davidson)

What is it? A student meshed art with science. (Photo courtesy of Anna Davidson)

Transgenic rice? Not any time soon

Although 10 years have passed since the first regulatory approval of genetically engineered, herbicide-tolerant rice, no transgenic rice is grown commercially, either in California or nationwide.

In contrast, genetically modified crops such as soy, corn and cotton have received widespread adoption by U.S. farmers.

Debate continues over whether genetically modified rice would be a plus or minus for the environment. While herbicide-tolerant varieties could reduce herbicide applications overall — they could also contribute to herbicide resistance in weedy rice.

For the time being, however, market considerations have trumped the debate over environmental costs and benefits.

A recent article in California Agriculture featured a literature review and extensive interviews with California rice growers explaining why.

“Although several studies suggest that transgenic rice would benefit California rice growers — particularly the herbicide-tolerant varieties — transgenic rice also presents economic risks,” writes Dustin Mulvaney, lead author, and now assistant professor at San Jose State University.

For one, California growers rely on exports for half of their sales. At present, Japan alone constitutes 41 percent of the state’s export market. Japan purchased more than $421 million in 2009 — over 40 percent of the industry's exports.

Japan has suggested that if tests on imports reveal transgenic traits, it would deny rice shipments. Other international customers such as Taiwan, Turkey and South Korea have followed suit. Both Taiwan and South Korea have asserted strict import restrictions on transgenic rice. Turkey banned transgenic rice altogether.

 

“While it is difficult to determine whether protectionism, culture or biosafety are the main forces driving such policies, all play a role in discouraging the deployment of transgenic rice,” Mulvaney said

California growers manage risks to marketability through the California Rice Certification Act. The act targets “characteristics of commercial impact,” including those of transgenic rice. The act states that growers rely upon identity preservation in the “production, handling and marketing practices that maintain the integrity and purity of agricultural commodities.”

Identity preservation is used to manage “genetic pollution” risks from transgenic crops  (California Agriculture July-September 2006), particularly those not approved for human consumption or used to make pharmaceuticals (California Agriculture April-June 2007). In these latter cases, identity preservation must be 100% effective.

Mulvaney notes, “The commercial approval of transgenic rice in California is unlikely until there is widespread market acceptance and growers are assured of no sales interruptions. “

Not Your Average Garden-Variety Calendar

It's not your average garden variety calendar.It's absolutely bee-utiful. Native bees reign supreme in  “Garden Variety Native Bees of North...

This is one of Rollin Coville's stunning photos of a male green sweat bee, Agapostemon. (Photo by Rollin Coville, used with permission),

This is one of Rollin Coville's stunning photos of a male green sweat bee, Agapostemon. (Photo by Rollin Coville, used with permission),

The cover of the calendar, "Garden Variety Native Bees of North America." (Photos by Rollin Coville)

The cover of the calendar, "Garden Variety Native Bees of North America." (Photos by Rollin Coville)

Agriculture's future is looking up

California students say agriculture is cool again, according to an article in the Sacramento Business Journal. The story gauged this assertion on rising high school FFA enrollment. National membership hit a record 540,379 this year, up more than 3 percent from last year. Membership in California also hit a record this year, climbing a similar percentage to 70,555.

The agriculture industry’s future is secure, writer Melanie Turner reported, because young people have never been more interested in agriculture.

The bulk of this story is only available with a paid subscription to the Sacramento Business Journal.

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