An alternative idea is to build a desalination plant further west near Martinez or San Pablo Bay and pump that water down the San Joaquin Valley to fill aquifers and restore depleted groundwater, NOT to reward agribusinesses for growing crops that require too much water!
Desalination for the delta may be needed in the future as sea level rises. However, it is certain that the delta ecosystem CANNOT SURVIVE if freshwater is removed by the tunnel/canal proposal of Gov. Jerry Brown.
Sea-level rise occurs because of two natural processes that have been occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 10,000 years ago. The first is the expansion of the oceans, which increase in volume as they absorb atmospheric and land-generated heat. The second is the melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets that occupy vast areas of Greenland and Antarctica.
In the past 10 to 15 years, the rate of global sea-level rise has increased by about 50 percent and is now averaging three millimeters per year. Human-induced global warming is a major contributor to this accelerated rise. In California, we are likely to experience a sea-level rise of about 16 inches by 2050 and about 55 inches by 2100 — and much more after that. These estimates are based on ranges that correspond to several global greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. In the highest-emission scenario, the range of estimated end-of-century sea-level rise is between 43 and 69 inches. (see Figure 2)
The degree of sea-level rise in the region depends on land subsidence or tectonic uplift. Some communities of the South Bay, which heavily extracted groundwater up through the 1960s, have sunk below today's sea level by as much as 13 feet. Parts of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta that have been heavily channelized, diked, eroded, and oxidized are now 25 feet below sea level. Areas that are sinking or losing land area or wetlands to erosion will experience the impacts of sea-level rise sooner and perhaps with greater intensity.
Most of the near-term damage we expect on developed areas will be from storm conditions that occur at the same time as high tides. Storms cause extreme lows in air pressure, allowing the sea level to instantaneously rise above predicted tides. Storms also increase winds, especially onshore winds, that cause bigger, more erosive waves. Finally, they bring rain, which increases water volume in creeks and rivers. Approximately 40 percent of California's land drains to San Francisco Bay, which means that storm floods will last longer here than in higher-elevation regions. Under existing conditions, the combination of high tides, storm surges, and river flooding can raise water levels in the delta by 51 inches for as long as a day. As sea levels rise, low-lying areas protected by already fragile levees will face even greater risk. http://www.planning.org/planning/2012/jan/waterwarriorsside2.htm
One last thought for trying to have farms and water for fish;
indigenous drought tolerant cash crops;
tepary bean (high protein)
jojoba (industrial oil)
nopales cactus (wine, jam, fruit, etc...)
All these crops can be grown in the San Joaquin Valley with little water needed. Why not subsidize farmers for growing drought tolerant crops instead of building peripheral canal/tunnels that will only cause further ecological devastation?
"Incredibly drought-resistant tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius)
These beans are an important crop for American Indians in the arid southwest part of the USA. If seeds are planted at a time when the soil is moist, plants grow quickly and will produce well even if there is no rain after they bloom. Because tepary bean is adapted to very arid conditions only, it is not suited to climates with high humidity and frequent rains, where diseases harm or kill the vines. Drought-resistance is mentioned in AZ 89." http://www.echonet.org/content/100difficultConditions/737/incredibly_drought_resistant_tepary_beans_phaseolus_acutifolius_
The jojoba plant (jojoba simmondsia chinensis shrub) is grown and harvested in desert climates and produces seeds that are crushed to extract a liquid often referred to as jojoba "oil".
Jojoba oil is different than other plant seed oils known as triglyceride oils. Specifically, Jojoba oil is a true wax. It is the only known botanical wax which is liquid at room temperature.
Jojoba has been used for centuries as a natural skin moisturizer. Jojoba plants are very well adapted to controlling moisture loss which allows them to survive in dry conditions.
An estimated 5,000 tons of jojoba is used in personal care products manufactured around the world. http://www.ijec.net/jojoba_facts.html
Nopal cactus have large paddles that grow at random angles. The paddles of some varieties grow as large as 16 inches long and 9 inches wide. The fruit that grows from the tip of each fresh paddle is called a prickly pear. Nopal cactus paddles and fruit are grown and harvested for culinary uses, though the sharp spines require careful preparation before cooking. Nopal cactus grow readily in hot dry climates, and as a house plant, this prickly desert dweller needs minimal care. http://www.gardenguides.com/119160-care-nopal-cactus-plant.html
What happens when Gov. Jerry Brown wants to "Get Shit Done" against the will of the people?
Sounds like "California Uber Alles" as predicted by the Dead Kennedys years ago has come to pass!!
"You will croak you little clown, if you mess with President Brown!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW8UlY8eXCk