07-20-2016, 07:20 PM
I do agree with the OP that the likelihood of some sort of a fish kill is fairly high, based on what we know about cyanobacteria blooms. A few comments.
1. While the conversation about water allocation is a good one and one the residents and decision makers of the state need to have, I doubt that agricultural use is the reason that Jordanelle is currently 86.72% full and DC 79.32% full, at the end of July in an ordinary water year preceded by 2 years of drought. If "blame' is to be affixed, it goes elsewhere.
2. While the possibility of a major fish kill is real, I don't share the opinion that it will be catastrophic. There will always be a few survivors, even river escapees, and species like white bass have shown in previous die offs that their populations will return to good levels with 2-3 straight good water years and spawns. Reduced populations will also stimulate growth and we will have bigger fish available in a few years. Nature is pretty resilient. I agree it is a bummer for those senior anglers that don't have a lot of seasons left, to have to wait though.
3. I will make an argument that might be kind of unpopular, but I believe it to be true. The best thing that could happen at UL would be a moderate fish kill. Say what??? Think about it. Before the algae bloom, who cared about the UL water level? A few catfishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Not much political clout there. With the bloom, now irrigators and others care. But what will happen with a significant fish kill? It will stink! And the foul odor could permeate the entire county. Everyone form some rich dude on the Provo bench to aunt Barb in Spanish Fork will get stunk out. An entire county of disgusted citizens is a pretty powerful political force that dim witted politicians and insulated water managers will not ignore. It could be a catalyst for positive change in how UL is treated, water wise. We might even be able to get a conservation pool or some such if the political motivation is high enough.
4. Sorry guys, but the June sucker will come through this too and will be fine. A supplemental stocking may need to be done but it will be business as usual on that front. If a few go belly up, the Feds may not let some water manager have his Jordanelle water park at the expense of UL the next time these decisions are made.
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1. While the conversation about water allocation is a good one and one the residents and decision makers of the state need to have, I doubt that agricultural use is the reason that Jordanelle is currently 86.72% full and DC 79.32% full, at the end of July in an ordinary water year preceded by 2 years of drought. If "blame' is to be affixed, it goes elsewhere.
2. While the possibility of a major fish kill is real, I don't share the opinion that it will be catastrophic. There will always be a few survivors, even river escapees, and species like white bass have shown in previous die offs that their populations will return to good levels with 2-3 straight good water years and spawns. Reduced populations will also stimulate growth and we will have bigger fish available in a few years. Nature is pretty resilient. I agree it is a bummer for those senior anglers that don't have a lot of seasons left, to have to wait though.
3. I will make an argument that might be kind of unpopular, but I believe it to be true. The best thing that could happen at UL would be a moderate fish kill. Say what??? Think about it. Before the algae bloom, who cared about the UL water level? A few catfishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Not much political clout there. With the bloom, now irrigators and others care. But what will happen with a significant fish kill? It will stink! And the foul odor could permeate the entire county. Everyone form some rich dude on the Provo bench to aunt Barb in Spanish Fork will get stunk out. An entire county of disgusted citizens is a pretty powerful political force that dim witted politicians and insulated water managers will not ignore. It could be a catalyst for positive change in how UL is treated, water wise. We might even be able to get a conservation pool or some such if the political motivation is high enough.
4. Sorry guys, but the June sucker will come through this too and will be fine. A supplemental stocking may need to be done but it will be business as usual on that front. If a few go belly up, the Feds may not let some water manager have his Jordanelle water park at the expense of UL the next time these decisions are made.
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