Some, such as the fish Tilapia, may be important in supporting the spectacular populations of fish-eating birds. Tilapia is in the entire system nearly all the way down to the head of the Gulf of California. Cold weather is likely responsible for many of the kills of Tilapia, most of which were also infected with bacteria. Disease problems are among the major issues, especially at the Salton Sea. Although the die-offs of birds has led to the present attention for the Salton Sea and to current proposals for reduction of salinity, the roles of salinity in disease are unproven and may be minor.
More information is needed to better understand the dynamics.
The issues of limited water and habitat availability are similar through the entire Colorado River Delta region. A major regional effort is needed. It is unlikely that any activities that do not involve the Mexicans as key players will effectively achieve their goals. The Salton Sea, the third largest interior saline lake in North America, was formed by an accidental diversion of the Colorado River into southeastern California in 1905-7. Since then, the Salton Sea has been largely maintained by inflows of water imported for agricultural purposes, magricultural runoff, and freshwater river flow.