Delta Science Plan (2019)

A coordinated, science-based approach is essential for managing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) to achieve the vision of One Delta, One Science and further the coequal goals in a manner that enhances and protects the Delta as an evolving place. As members of the 18 federal and state agencies composing the Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee (DPIIC), we recognize that we must avoid a siloed, single-interest approach to management and science issues in the Delta. Such an approach hampers effective management and efficient resource use to address complex issues including increasing risks from climate change related effects such as sea level rise, prolonged dry periods, and floods. Our focus must be twofold: a more integrated effort among federal and state agencies and stakeholders to advance Delta-relevant scientific knowledge and using that knowledge to inform decisions that address these complex natural resource management issues.

The Delta Science Plan is a call to action for a more collaborative Delta science community that contributes to improving decision-making in the Delta. This document provides direction for collectively prioritizing research questions, setting goals, developing shared protocols for how science is conducted, and verifying and communicating scientific results with an eye towards usability for decision-makers and the public. This direction is only possible if the Delta science community, including members of DPIIC, work together to implement and conduct work consistent with the actions identified in the document and to speak with one voice to marshal support for scientific efforts.

The members of DPIIC are committed to promoting and investing in coordinated and collaborative efforts that generate scientific knowledge to support both the Delta Plan and the objectives identified in the 2009 Delta Reform Act. This commitment has been expressed through DPIIC’s endorsement and acceptance of the Interim Science Action Agenda (2014), the High-Impact Science Actions (2015), and the Science Action Agenda (2017); documents that identify and prioritize collaborative science efforts. In endorsing the Delta Science Plan, we accept the document as a shared guide to build the collaborative science community and support efforts to work together in carrying out integrated actions that achieve the vision of One Delta, One Science.