Clear Lake Environmental Research Center(CLERC)
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The Clear Lake Hitch

According to Dr. Peter Moyle, at one time 10 native fish species were found in Clear Lake.  Now, only 4 of these species remain.  One of these, the Clear Lake Hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi), was placed on the California Fish and Game Commission's threatened list in August 2014.
The hitch, which as recently as the 1970s numbered in the hundreds of thousands, is now struggling for survival, with current population estimates in the 5,000 to 10,000 range.
Unlike some of the other native fish species, the Clear Lake Hitch adapted to droughts.  However, the loss of more than 90 percent of its spawning habitat, as well as water pollution and predation by nonnative fish species introduced  to boost sport fishing, have taken their toll.
Can the hitch be saved from extinction?  At this point, extinction is expected if measures are not taken to improve spawning and lake habitats.  CLERC is collaborating with the Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch in its effort to identify and implement measures that will result in saving this unique lifeform, while at the same time not overly impacting other stakeholders involved in the issue.
To find out more about the Clear Lake Hitch, please visit the Chi Council website.

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Clear Lake Environmental Research Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 47-1489147) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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© 2022 Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, PO Box 636 Lakeport, CA  95453
  • About Us
    • Who We Are >
      • About CLERC
      • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
      • STAFF
      • Collaborators
    • What We Do >
      • Fire & Forestry >
        • Community Projects >
          • Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project - Phase 1
          • Wildfire Resilience Project - Phase 1
          • Northshore Fuels Team
          • South Lake Chipping Program
          • Fox Drive Fire Prevention Project
          • Middletown and Cobb Evacuation Route Clearing
          • Bottle Rock Rd Project
        • Cost-Share Programs >
          • North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP)
          • Building Fire Resiliency in California's Coast Range Forests and Grasslands
      • Hitch Observation Program
  • The CLERC Lab
  • Resources
    • Current Conditions
    • Lab Forms
    • Report Hitch Sighting
    • Lake County TREX
    • Wildfire Resiliency Resources
    • The CLERC Library
  • Connect
    • CLERC News
    • Work With Us
    • Contact Us >
      • Landowner Contact Form
    • Donate