The country’s largest public water district hired a new science adviser to guide the organization and help balance water availability with environmental needs.

Brad Cavallo comes to Westlands Water District by way of Cramer Fish Sciences, where he was vice president and principal scientist at the research institute, according to a release from Westlands.

Before that, he also worked as senior environmental scientist for the California Department of Water Resources and as a fisheries biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Cavallo says there is a way to balance water needs for California’s endangered fish species and ensure water availability.

“There are real opportunities to improve water supply reliability for Californians while also supporting the health of important fish species like Chinook salmon,” Cavallo said. “I’m excited to collaborate with the highly talented Westlands team and its partners to advance science-based solutions that benefit both water users and the environment.”

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Cavallo Brings Decades of Scientific Background to Water Agency

Federal and state water policies stem from the Endangered Species Act. Regulators decide how much water flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and out to the ocean based in part on ideal conditions for the Chinook salmon and other fish species such as the Delta smelt. Another consideration is the need to protect fresh water from high concentrations of salinity.

Salmon need cold water to spawn and ample water supplies keep temperatures cool. However, that put fish populations at odds with farmers who rely on allocations from state and federal sources.

In addition to 18 years at Cramer Fish Sciences, Cavallo has published several scientific articles on topics ranging from predation on salmon to how Delta flows affect the fish, according to his LinkedIn.

He also has a masters in aquatic ecology from University of Montana and a bachelors in fisheries biology from UC Davis.

“Brad Cavallo’s deep expertise in fisheries science and water management will be a tremendous asset to Westlands,” said Allison Febbo, general manager of Westlands.

“His extensive background as a biologist and leader in environmental research — combined with his track record of developing innovative, evidence-based solutions — will strengthen our ability to address California’s evolving water challenges while balancing the needs of agriculture, fisheries, and communities.”