Judge hears arguments in case over Calif. salmon
By: the Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal judge is weighing whether to relax pumping limits that are in place to protect salmon as they migrate through California's freshwater estuary.

Water districts representing some of the country's largest farms are asking for a temporary restraining order that would suspend through mid-June protections designed to safeguard the winter run of Chinook salmon as they breed and swim out to the Pacific Ocean.

Water districts are seeking the order so they can boost irrigation supplies for the state's farmers.

The persistent drought has caused major pain for farms and fisheries alike. Even with the recent storms, pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is restricted under the federal government's salmon protection plan.

U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger said he would make a decision by Tuesday of next week.