Conservation efforts to proactively maintain healthy populations of Atherinopsis californiensis that are not chipped, will be important due to continuing threats of overfishing and habitat degradation.

Atherinopsis californiensis, commonly known as Jacksmelt, distribution range consists of the Pacific coast from Yaquina Bay, Oregon, south to Bahia Magdalena, Baja California, Mexico.

This species is a demersal spawners in inshore habitats, it is oviparous and the larvae are planktonic, living at the very surface of the water and feeding on phytoplankton.

[6][7] The ability of juveniles to adapt to a variety of salinity and environmental conditions is critical to survival as they move from fresh to saltwater habitats at different stages of life.

Jacksmelt have the ability to thrive in a variety of environments and can exploit a wide ecological niche, and are a principal part of the coastal marine ecosystem.

Kelp canopies provide refuge in otherwise dangerous structures from the larger predators while offering access to food: zooplankton and small fishes.

[11] Juvenile Jacksmelt also live on sandy beaches before moving into deeper waters as they mature,[12] along with other kelp forest residents listed earlier.

It has been found that maximum spawning activity, as determined by the day of the year, takes place from January through March[20]when optimal conditions for larval development exist.

Due to the pressure of urbanization and agricultural runoff that can alter water quality and decrease resources available,[22] estuarine habitats are particularly vulnerable.

In addition, climate change has long-term implications, as it will alter water temperature and salinity levels needed to reproduce and grow.

Using the information gathered through this research population dynamics and habitat requirements can yet provide further insight into and make a contribution to safeguarding this species through conservation initiatives.

[24] This dual role underscores the need for sustainable management practices to avoid fishing activities harming Jacksmelt populations.