To restore some of the wetlands, it has been suggested that a surprisingly modest amount of surplus flows from the Colorado River be designated as environmental flows for the Delta rather than be appropriated for irrigation or other uses. Evidence from recent flood flows to the Delta have shown that if these waters were allowed to flow to the Delta, they would bring back some of the vegetation, provide a variety of habitats , and even provide economic benefits through activities such as ecotourism, hunting, fishing, and improved shrimp harvesting in the Gulf. The Gulf at one time extended north past the Salton Sea to Indio. The Sea then became an alternative outlet for the Colorado River when the channel to the Gulf became blocked by sediment. Geologically, the two areas are linked.
Birds use both areas as habitats.
Culturally, the same tribes used both areas. Both areas are threatened by nearby burgeoning urban growth. And both areas now depend primarily on remaining water that has been discarded by humans. Although linked in many ways, joint management for these critical areas is complicated by national borders, different languages, and competing needs for water. Because other states in the Colorado River Basin were not using their full share of allotted water supply, California has enjoyed a considerable amount more.