The Salton Sea has changed since its heyday. The water it continues to receive from the agricultural fields as irrigation runoff, has maintained the sea at close to its historic volume for 110 years. Despite that, the salinity levels have increased every year. Today, the Salton Sea is 1.7 times as salty as the ocean.
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The increasing salinity has killed off fish living in the Salton Sea, one species at a time. Now, the only living species of fish in the sea is tilapia. Research has suggested that tilapia will be unable to breed at a salinity of 60ppt, twice the ocean's salinity. The sea is dangerously close to this threshold.
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In the winter, millions of birds, many of them endangered, can be seen at the sea. It provides a resting place during their long migrations. They thrive off the fish and insects in the area. 90% of the North American population of eared grebe winter at the Salton Sea along with almost half the worldwide population of Yuma ridgeway (previously "clapper") rail, a federally endangered species. As the sea recedes, the future of these birds is uncertain, at best.
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The economy of the Salton Sea area has taken a hit as well. After the devastation of the 1970's tropical storms, the area was expected to be rebuilt. Infrastructure for large expansions were created. But due to the degradation of the sea, the expansions never came. There are large swaths of land prepared for the construction of vacation homes that are no longer going to be built. To the left, you can see roads built into neighborhoods with only a few scattered houses.
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Despite these challenges, the Salton Sea area is still a winter getaway for many southern California residents. Boating, bird watching, and fishing are still big draws to this desert region. As the water receded, it became difficult for large boats to access the sea. Not to be put out, a local company dredged part of the north shore to allow large boats back in.
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Although the local economy has taken a dramatic hit since the 1970's, there are still small businesses flourishing in the region. The International Banana Museum, for example, draws people to the area with their giant collection of banana paraphernalia and frozen banana treats.
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The Salton Sea Visitor Center tells the story of the sea and draws attention to the wildlife in the area. Visitors can purchase field guides and explore the rich history and biological diversity in the Salton Sea area. Right outside the visitor center is a large beach where people fish, picnic, and photograph birds.
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Campsites and hiking trails crisscross the Salton Sea area. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge provides bird viewing platforms and informational signs about the wildlife in the area. Numerous picnic sites are also maintained all around the sea. There is no shortage of things to see at the sea.
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The Salton Sea area still supports a large and thriving agricultural community. 50% of Imperial Valley residents are employed by agriculture and ~80% of America's winter crops come from this region. In addition to feeding the nation, these agricultural lands also provide habitat for hundreds of thousands of birds, including endangered burrowing owls.
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