Satellite imagery spanning 37 years highlights a concerning trend in the water levels of Utah’s Great Salt Lake in United States, raising alarms about potential ecological collapse. Of particular concern is the local shrimp industry, which supports millions and relies on specific water conditions for survival.

Record Lows and Ongoing Concerns

The Great Salt Lake has been grappling with dwindling water levels since November 2022, exacerbated by a persistent megadrought gripping the region. Presently, as of Wednesday, the lake’s water levels hover just above 4,190 feet—a slight improvement from the previous year but still below the levels recorded in early February 2022.

The decline in water levels poses a direct threat to the delicate balance of the lake’s ecosystem. As water recedes, salinity levels spike, endangering the diverse array of flora and fauna that call the lake home.

Earthjustice Alleges Human Impact

Environmental law organization Earthjustice has raised concerns about the causes behind the lake’s diminishing levels. Contrary to attributing the decline solely to natural factors like drought and climate change, Earthjustice suggests that human actions, particularly those of the state of Utah, play a significant role in exacerbating the crisis.

In a bid to address the situation, Earthjustice is representing several environmental advocacy groups, including Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, and Utah Rivers Council, in a lawsuit filed against the state of Utah. Filed last September, the lawsuit accuses the state of failing to take necessary measures to mitigate the crisis and safeguard the lake’s ecosystem.