Eutrophication is a natural process in the life cycle of a lake. The Salton Sea is highly eutrophic, meaning it is highly productive. Common characteristics of this level of productivity are frequent algal blooms and the depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water caused by decay of biological matter. This can lead to extensive fish kills and subsequent decay, leading to even further oxygen depletion along with unpleasant odors. In recent decades, cultural eutrophication is the acceleration of this process by human activities.

Algae Farms

The Authority has awarded a $250,000 contract to Kent Sea Tech, the state's largest aquaculture company, to test a process to reduce nutrients flowing to the Sea.

The process involves diverting flows from the Whitewater River into shallow ponds, growing algae and then harvesting the algae by mechanical means and by tilapia that will graze on it. The intent behind a full scale application of the process is to control nutrients flowing to the Sea, thereby reducing algal blooms, fish die-offs and odors.

Phosphorus Testing

Phosphorus has been identified by the Science Office and researchers as a critical piece of the eutrophication puzzle in the Sea. If phosphorus can be managed before it flows into the Sea it is expected that massive algal blooms, subsequent fish die-offs and odors could be reduced.

The State Water Resources Board is awarding a grant to the Authority of $490,250 to test the use of alum in the tributaries to the Salton Sea as a possible means to control phosphorus.

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