Declining water levels at Great Salt Lake have generated significant media attention as well as speculation as to what continued declines mean for the Lake. The Lake holds particular significance for the aquaculture industry because Artemia fransciscana cysts harvested from the Lake make up more than 40% of the Artemia cysts used in global aquaculture each year.
In the past couple of years, news about lake declines have driven an unprecedented response from the Utah State Legislature, regulatory agencies, and, increasingly, members of the U.S. Congress. In 2022 alone, the Utah State Legislature invested more than $450 million USD in water conservation, including $50 million directly to protect the Lake and its water supply. In addition, the legislature passed ten bills related to water conservation, with six of those bills aimed directly at Great Salt Lake. The State of Utah is also finding creative ways to manage salinity to keep it within optimal ranges for Artemia and other species. These policy responses pave the way for innovative solutions that balance competing needs for water while restoring the natural resilience of the Lake ecosystem.
We present a historic overview of these and other policy responses leading up to and including the 2022 Utah legislative session. These policy changes and accompanying investments will help ensure that the Artemia and other resources remain healthy and sustainable for years to come.