Professor Emeritus Timothy Bradley from the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences has been named the Chair of the Salton Sea Science Advisory Committee. This committee, appointed by the state, offers scientific guidance for restoration and mitigation initiatives at the Salton Sea.
Expressing his gratitude, Bradley remarked, “I am pleased and honored to have been appointed to the position of Chair of the Salton Sea Science Advisory Committee.” His extensive career at UC Irvine has focused on the physiology and ecology of aquatic organisms, particularly those in saline environments, which aligns with the responsibilities of this leadership role.
With decades of experience connecting scientific research to environmental policy, Bradley has a noteworthy background. In the 1980s, he researched and advised regulatory bodies on conservation measures at Mono Lake. He also established the UC Irvine Salton Sea Initiative, uniting experts from across the University of California to tackle the ecological, economic, and public health issues arising from the Salton Sea”s decline.
The Salton Sea Science Advisory Committee was formed by the state of California to support the Salton Sea Management Program, which is spearheaded by the California Natural Resources Agency in coordination with the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The committee comprises specialists in various fields, including aquatic ecology, avian ecology, dust mitigation, desert ecology, public health, aquatic toxicology, and air quality management.
The Salton Sea, California”s largest inland body of water, originated in the early 20th century when Colorado River water overflowed from irrigation canals into the Salton Sink, a deep inland basin. For over a century, agricultural runoff from the Imperial and Coachella Valleys sustained the Sea. However, recent reductions in this runoff, due to diversions to coastal areas, have led to a rapid shrinkage of the Sea, increasing its salinity to levels 1.7 times that of seawater. This change has resulted in significant fish die-offs, loss of habitats for migratory birds, and the exposure of dried lakebed, which generates harmful dust affecting local communities.
Bradley acknowledged the significant challenges ahead but emphasized the potential for ecological improvements and the protection of the health and economy of the hundreds of thousands of Californians residing near the Salton Sea. As Chair, he will facilitate scientific input for essential mitigation projects, such as the development and upkeep of marshes that benefit migratory birds and endangered species, while also addressing issues like selenium contamination and hazardous dust from the exposed playa. He expressed hope that the expertise represented in the Science Advisory Committee would help alleviate the difficulties posed by the Salton Sea”s decline.
