Steelhead trout trapping underway to help the endangered species

A Steelhead trout rescue effort is underway in Santa Barbara County.

Environmental scientists say the trout are indicators of watershed health.

Trout trapping is taking place in an undisclosed portion of Gaviota Creek in Goleta where the water is drying up.

There are more than a dozen barriers that restrict the movement of the fish when they get trapped below them.

Scientists said they are endangered due to human interference in their habitats.

Kyle Evans is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife environmental scientists who hopes people will help the trout.

He said the information will be passed to wardens.

“They will be able to investigate poaching activity, or if it is a situation of a stranded fish or wildlife not being where it is supposed to be, then they are able to contact local biologists, and we are able to relocate those animals,” Evans said.

Evans says the fish are a litmus test for healthy creeks.

“If you happen to see any illegal fishing or any suspected poaching, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 888-334-Cal Tip.”

For more information visit https://wildlife.ca.gov or call 1-888-334-2258.