In our 6th grade class at Emerson Elementary School in Utah, we have learned how important Brine Shrimp are to the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem. We have been raising brine shrimp in our class since September and have watched their life cycle repeat several times. These little Olympic swimmers glide through the water like birds soaring through the sky. Watching these majestic creatures swim is mesmerizing. They are so little yet so important to our lives and economy.

We think they should be the official Utah State Crustacean! Last year, we tried to get this bill passed, but time ran out on the last legislative session. Please sign this petition to tell our state legislators that you support the Brine Shrimp becoming Utah’s State Crustacean.

Below you will find mind blowing facts about the impact brine shrimp have on the Great Salt Lake, our State, and the world. We hope you will sign this petition to help us raise awareness for the unique brine shrimp that live in our Great Salt Lake.

• Brine shrimp (Artemia) have inhabited the Great Salt Lake (and prior lakes including Lake Bonneville) for over 600,000 years.
• Brine shrimp are very resilient and it is very unique that they can survive in such high salt levels.
• The health of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem is imperative for brine shrimp to survive.
  The Water levels in the Great Salt Lake are plummeting drastically, and if it doesn’t stop, the brine shrimp will be extinct in the Great Salt Lake.
  If we don’t do anything in the next year all the water will be gone in 5 years. And sadly, the brine shrimp will no longer be alive in just 2 years.
• Brine shrimp are vital for entire species of birds such as eared grebes and Wilson's phalaropes that use the Great Salt Lake in preparation for their migration.
• Cysts that are produced by Artemia are sent all over the world to feed fish grown commercially, thus providing an important food source for humans.
• The brine shrimp industry contributes an economic benefit of $56.7 million dollars annually and almost 600 jobs in Utah.
• By grazing on algae, Artemia causes a reduction of algae blooms leading to clearer water. Without the keystone species the ecosystem would collapse and never return.

Sincerely,

Mr. Craner’s 6th Grade Classes from 2022 and 2023

Emerson Elementary School 

Salt Lake City, Utah