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Show Commercial and Industrial Uses The sovereign lands and resources of GSL are utilized for a variety of commercial, industrial and agricultural purposes. The most extensive use, mineral salt extraction from the lake's brines, is discussed separately under the " Minerals and Hydrocarbons" section of this statement. The second most extensive in terms of numbers of employees involved and the value of products produced is brine shrimp harvesting, which is discussed here. Other existing uses include recreation- oriented commercial concessions ( Saltair and Antelope Island), industrial uses ( Thiokol), military uses ( US AF), art ( the Spiral Jetty) and grazing. ( See Appendix B.) The economic significance of commercial and industrial activities which are dependent on sovereign lands and resources is substantial. The direct economic benefits of extractive industries are discussed in the section on minerals and hydrocarbons, and brine shrimping is discussed here. Indirect benefits also accrue. It has been estimated that there are at least 1,304 jobs provided by minerals extraction and brine shrimp harvesting on the lake. Of these, 1,127 are employees in the mineral extraction industry and 177 are employees in the brine shrimp industry. Data for all companies is not available, so 1,127 should be considered a minimum number of jobs ( Hall, 1999). The planning process disclosed interest in three broad areas of commercial and industrial activity on sovereign lands of GSL: • Existing levels and types of commercial and industrial activities on GSL ( appropriate balance of statutory and administrative charges) must be considered. • Policies with regard to future commercial and industrial activities ( brine shrimp harbors and unauthorized construction) need to be addressed. • Future studies of the nonmarket value of lake resources could be conducted. This would require additional time, staff and funding. The results would be an evaluation of all lake resources, not just those with obvious economic value. Brine Shrimp Harvesting on Great Salt Lake Industry Overview The presence of brine shrimp in GSL is noted as early as 1900 even though at that time, the " popular literature of the day persists in asserting that no living thing exists or can exist in the dense brine of the Great Salt Lake" ( Talmage, 1900). Brine shrimp cysts are harvested from the lake's surface in the fall. The cysts, which are a form of egg, are used by commercial aquaculture operations around the world. Cysts are hatched, and the young brine shrimp are used as feed for fish and shrimp for human consumption. There are currently 32 147 |
