Steelhead are migratory rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that exhibit an anadromous
life history; being born in freshwater streams and spending a portion of their lives in the ocean
before returning to freshwater to spawn. During the early 1900’s steelhead were abundant in the
smaller coastal streams of southern Santa Barbara County. Over the past century, human
modification of riverine habitat has devastated steelhead populations in southern California. The
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the unique southern steelhead as a federally
endangered species in 1997. The NMFS estimates the southern steelhead population to be less
than 1% of its historic population size. The southern steelhead population has experienced the
most dramatic decline throughout California and likely North America. The loss of freshwater
habitat due to the construction of migration barriers such as road crossings, dams, and flood
control structures presents the single greatest limiting factor for steelhead in southern Santa
Barbara County streams.
The objectives of this study are to identify site-specific restoration actions for wild,
southern steelhead in those watersheds from Jalama Creek to Rincon Creek and to prepare a
report prioritizing site-specific restoration actions. The primary focus of the study is to identify,
prioritize, and formulate recommended actions for migration barriers within the study area.