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Show differential in brine concentrations is beneficial because when the south arm is too dilute to support a healthy brine shrimp population, the north arm may be able to. At historically high lake levels, that appears to be the case. In 1999, salinities in the south arm have diminished to the point where the brine shrimp population is stressed and substantially reduced, while salinities in the north arm continue to be high enough to prevent the establishment of a significant, viable brine shrimp population. The south arm has experienced reductions in brine shrimp harvest and salinity. Table 8. Brine Shrimp Harvest and Salinity Year Harvest ( million lbs.) Lake Salinity 1996 14.7 12- 13% 1997 6.1 11- 12.6% 1998 4.6 8.7% These salinity ranges occurred during the brine shrimp production season and were measured at a sample site located in the open water area of the south arm. This circumstance has resulted in a depressed shrimp population in the lake with negative impacts on bird populations and commercial harvesting of brine shrimp. ( See Table 8.) Research on both the hydrology of the lake and the role of salinity in brine shrimp and other aquatic population ecology is continuing. Lake Water Quality Impacts to Wildlife A discussion of GSL water quality issues, studies and initiatives appears in the " Water- Quality" section of this statement. Little is known about the impacts of water contaminants on GSL wildlife. A research project sponsored by USFWS is expected to provide information focusing on Bear River Bay in the near future. That document will represent the latest understanding of the dynamics of water contaminants and will likely help chart the future of water quality research on GSL. Lands Designated for Wildlife Management Section 23- 21- 5 of the Utah Code provides; " The Wildlife Board is authorized to use any and all unsurveyed state- owned lands below the 1855 meander line of the GSL within the following townships for the creation, operation, maintenance and management of wildlife management areas, fishing waters and other recreational activities..." The Code identifies all or part of 39 townships lying within the meander line of the lake. ( See Map 7.) Some of the area within the identified townships has been formally placed within WMAs by the Board of Wildlife Resources, but much has not. The management status and responsibility for the lands identified as available for wildlife management by statute is unclear for those which have 96 |