For more than 20 years, the San Francisco Estuary Project and its partners have worked together to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. A federal-state-local partnership, the San Francisco Estuary Project is one of 28 National Estuary Programs throughout the United States that were established under the Clean Water Act. Together with its partners, the Estuary Project developed a plan of action to protect and restore the Estuary called the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan; the plan was updated in 2007.

To restore water quality and manage the natural resources of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary while maintaining the region's economic vitality.


CURRENT PRIORITIES:

• Sea Level Rise

Study and recommend actions to address impacts on wetlands and infrastructure from global warming

• Freshwater inflow

Determine amount of freshwater needed in San Francisco Bay and Bay Area streams to support aquatic species

• Land/Water Use

Guide regional agencies and local government in establishing water quality related land use and watershed goals and protection policies

• Pollutant Minimization

Encourage manufacturers to take into account full environmental life cycle of their products

• Streams/Wetlands Preservation

Provide fish and wildlife habitat and restore the natural landscape while reducing flood damage and improving water quality

THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY-DELTA ESTUARY

• Is the largest estuary on the West Coast
• Is a vital resource for the state’s human and wildlife populations
• Encompasses roughly 1,600 square miles
• Drains over 40 percent of the state (60,000 square miles)
• Provides drinking water to 22 million Californians
• Irrigates 4.5 million acres of farmland
• Supports important economic activities including commercial and sport fishing, shipping, industry, agriculture, recreation and tourism