Season four Episode six

The Great Salt Lake

Delve into the tale of the Great Salt Lake which is an integral part of the Salt Lake Valley's culture and identity. Learn of the lake's ecosystem through the world of brine shrimp. Discover how the Great Salt Lake Institute's team of scientists and educators are investigating whether the lake can survive. And experience the poetry of Nan Seymour, whose words advocate for the lake's protection. 

Life of Brine

Brine shrimping is a multi-million-dollar industry dedicated to supplying fish food for aquaculture. The brine shrimp of the Great Salt Lake also feed thousands of migrating birds. While eggs can stay dormant for decades, as the salinity levels of the Great Salt Lake rise, the health and well-being of the brine shrimp are becoming increasingly threatened.

Tipping Point – The Great Salt Lake Institute

The Great Salt Lake is a biological wonder. At the base of the food chain are “extremophiles” -- life forms that thrive where most organisms struggle to survive. Now, low water levels have created a threat to the entire ecosystem. A team of scientists and educators at the Great Salt Lake Institute are studying if the lake can survive and connecting students and the community to this unique place.

Irreplaceable

Nan Seymour is a writer and activist championing the restoration of the Great Salt Lake through protecting the rivers that feed it. In 2015, she created River Writing to teach workshops helping others find their voice and connection to waterways. Throughout the 2022 Utah State legislative session, she led a vigil for Great Salt Lake alongside the River Writing community.

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