The Salton Sea is one of the most important places for birds in North America. Once a thriving ecosystem, the Sea was historically fed by the Colorado River and natural flood cycles, supporting diverse wetland habitats. However, as water inflows declined due to upstream diversions and changing land use, salinity levels rose, and habitat quality deteriorated. Today, with more than 95% of California’s historic wetlands lost to agriculture and urban development, the Salton Sea remains one of the last vital wetlands supporting resident and migratory birds.
Since 2016, 91 California has conducted surveys at 14 points around the Sea, providing valuable insight into how birds are adapting to its changing conditions. Additionally, the historic Intermountain West Shorebird Survey at the Salton Sea in August 2023 documented approximately 250,000 shorebirds in a single day—more than double previous August counts. This remarkable finding suggests that certain shorebirds may be benefiting from the shifting ecosystem dynamics, underscoring the Salton Sea’s evolving role in sustaining bird populations despite ongoing environmental challenges.
The State of California has instituted the 10-year Salton Sea Management Program, which is intended to meet the State’s obligation to restore habitat and mitigate poor air quality around the Salton Sea. After more than 15 years of study and planning, the state is constructing its first habitat restoration project, a more than 4,000-acre wetland and pond complex located at the southern end of the Sea, called the “Species Conservation Habitat” project. While this is a great start, more projects are needed to address the shrinking Sea and exposed playa.
Where is the Salton Sea? The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, is located 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles in the Eastern Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley. It is part of a crucial chain of saline lakes that provide essential stopover habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Designated Refuges Supporting the Sea Salton Sea Recreation Area, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, and Imperial Wildlife Area
Birds of the Sea 300 species depend on the Sea, including: Western Snowy Plover, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, and Great Blue Heron
A revitalized Sea could Reduce air pollution and improve public health (slow the high rates of asthma, nosebleeds, and COPD), alleviate economic burdens on local communities, and sustain vital bird populations for resident and migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway
The Urgency of Action
As the Salton Sea continues to shrink, the ecosystem is undergoing profound changes. While rising salinity is reducing fish populations, some shorebirds are taking advantage of newly available food resources. Understanding these changes requires a coordinated effort among partners to ensure habitat restoration strategies address the needs of all bird species and wildlife.
91 is working to ensure a sustainable future for the Salton Sea, its birds, and the people who depend on it—and we advocate for the State of California to continue supporting and funding a Salton Sea Program that has a long-term vision with the ability to manage and sustain habitat projects and create opportunities for public access and recreational amenities around the Sea.
Contact Lauren Elachi: lauren.elachi@audubon.org
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