Scientists launch study to protect Great Salt Lake shorebirds

In a recent government meeting, officials proposed the development of a bioenergetic model for the Great Salt Lake, aimed at assessing the energy needs of water birds, particularly shorebirds and ducks, in relation to the lake's fluctuating water levels. The initiative seeks to map shallow waters and wetlands around the lake, such as Bear River Bay, to determine the availability of food resources for these birds.

The bioenergetic model will quantify the energy produced in these habitats, measured in kilocalories, and correlate this with the number of birds present and their feeding behaviors. By analyzing how much food is available and how long birds utilize these resources, the model aims to predict food availability over time, particularly in light of ongoing drought conditions that have significantly reduced water levels in key areas like Ogden Bay and Farmington Bay.

Officials highlighted the importance of empirical data in managing these habitats, noting that current management practices often rely on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific analysis. The proposed study aims to provide a clearer understanding of how water availability impacts food resources for migratory birds, thereby informing more effective management strategies.

The meeting also referenced successful applications of similar bioenergetic models in other regions, such as the Foresight National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, where researchers discovered that ducks were leaving due to depleted food supplies rather than migration pressures. This underscores the necessity of understanding food availability to ensure the sustainability of bird populations in the Great Salt Lake area.

As the study progresses, officials hope it will facilitate cooperative management efforts among state wildlife managers, federal refuges, and local duck clubs, ultimately enhancing the ecological health of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands.