Sustaining Sherman Island: A Water Management and Agricultural Diversification System

Abstract

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta isthe main water resource for California’s urbanand agricultural development. Sherman Islandsits on the western edge of Delta system and isone of the key geographic features in balancingthe flux of saltwater into the Delta. Flooding,saltwater intrusion, and ongoing subsidence arecurrent threats to Sherman Island. The integrationof components of aquaculture, hydroponics, anda levee enclosed flood storage area create a system that can actively protect against flooding disastersby reversing subsidence and stabilizing levees, hasthe ability to sequester carbon and restore habits,and the capacity to produce economic yields. Theenvironmental, technical, and economic attributesof the system are examined through failuresimulations, economic analysis, and environmentdiscussion to determine if the proposed system isa feasible, sustainable and profitable solution forSherman Island and the Delta.Sustaining Sherman Island: A Water Management andAgricultural Diversification System