Watershed Conservation Coordinator
Many of us are familiar with the historic, staggeringly abundant salmon runs of the Pacific Northwest. However, some may not realize that the Bay Area once supported similarly awe-inspiring migrations of fish, wriggling their way up our local creeks and rivers from the ocean to spawn the next generation. Migratory fish such as these play a crucial role by providing food for wildlife and people and transferring nutrients from the ocean to land, yet almost all of these species are threatened with extinction. Luckily, our threatened Steelhead trout still spawn regularly in Pinole Creek thanks to the Pinole Fish Passage project which allows them to pass upstream of the I-80 freeway.
World Fish Migration Day is a biennial event that brings awareness to the plight of migratory fish while recognizing conservation successes around the globe. With the next event in 2026, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) decided not to wait to celebrate the Steelhead trout of Pinole Creek and the people who have dedicated themselves to their conservation. Instead, the CCRCD hosted our own local version, Contra Costa Fish Migration Day, on May 31st at the Pinole fish ladder.
The event began with a land acknowledgement from Courtney Bullett, Richmond Powwow Chair Coordinator and enrolled member of three Affiliated Tribes, Arikara, and Gabriel Duncan, founder of the Alameda Native History Project and recognized descendant of the Benton Paiute Tribe. Gabriel spoke as an advocate and friend to the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Attendees were treated to rousing and inspirational speeches from a lineup that included County Supervisor John Gioia and Pinole City Council members Norma Martinez-Rubin and Devin T. Murphy. Additionally, Bert Mulchaey, a biologist with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), and John Steere of the Contra Costa County Watershed Program were honored with stunning fish prints for their long careers serving our creeks as true “watershed heroes.” Guests enjoyed stimulating conversation and engaging activities at booths that included public agencies and community watershed conservation groups, as well as spirited musical entertainment from Scotty O’Neill of The New Frantics band. Fascinating tours of the fish ladder led by Bert Mulchaey rounded out the day’s festivities.
Thank you to all our partners who helped make this event a great success!
Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed
East Bay Municipal Utility District
John Muir National Historic Site
Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center
Contra Costa County Watershed Program
