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Show The data were extracted from " Evaluation of Existing Wetland Habitat in Utah," by F. C. Jensen. Utah DWR 74- 17. The evaluation was completed in 1974; the acreages are estimates. The lake elevation was 4201 feet in 1974. Claims of international significance ofGSL in a migration corridor for water birds should be substantiated. A discussion on how birds have adapted to changes in lake salinity should be included. The lake was recognized as a Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve. Refer to " Biology," " International, Hemispheric and National Significance of the GSL" section in the planning document. There are 74 species of water birds that utilize the lake. Each of these birds has a different adaptive evolution and strategies that help them deal with salinity. It is not the intent of this planning document to reiterate biological history of all lake water birds. The relationship between brine flies as a food source for birds should be better understood. A comprehensive plan should include protection of the brine fly and studies should be supported which clearly define the role of the brine fly on the lake. Brine flies are a very important food item to many birds and other types of wildlife found around GSL. This fact will be considered when any activities that could negatively impact the flies are proposed. There is currently a research project underway associated with the GSLEP to understand the importance of brine shrimp/ eggs as a food item for birds. This is a priority because brine shrimp populations are being impacted by low salinities and are being commercially harvested. The project anticipates that brine flies will be studied in the future to understand the their importance to avian population sustainability. Dangerously low salinity in the south arm has dramatically altered primary production ( shift in the food chain) and has resulted in poor food availability, reduced brine shrimp productivity and is impacting the entire ecosystem. If the salinity continues to decrease in the south arm of the lake, it is anticipated that brine shrimp will potentially decrease to the extent that birds dependent upon them as forage and commercial harvesting of brine shrimp will be progressively negatively affected. Research has suggested that as the lake salinity decreases the preferred forage species for brine shrimp becomes less abundant. As a result, brine shrimp production decreases substantially. Research is continuing and suggests changes in salinity result in different algal species abundance in the lake. Some species seem to be more beneficial to brine shrimp as forage, so when changes occur it can negatively affect brine shrimp populations. This circumstance has also occurred in the north arm of the lake, although salinity levels 304 |