Troubled Waters?
As a primary water source and top recreational site, Lake Mead is intimately tied to how Southern Nevadans live and how our future will develop. Scientists are finding significant changes in this critical resource — from new invaders threatening the water supply to the levels of toxins in the fish caught there.
Earlier this month, more than 150 researchers and environmental managers convened at UNLV for the inaugural Lake Mead Science Symposium to exchange ideas and coordinate efforts to protect the ecological health of lakes Mead and Mohave.
UNLV Research
Shawn Gerstenberger, professor of environmental and occupational health, is leading a team of researchers examining the consequences of the quagga mussel invasion. He was one of 10 faculty members and students who presented their original research at the symposium.
"The Lake Mead Science Symposium provided a forum for researchers and basic scientists to share state-of-the-art data about one of the most critical natural resources of our region," Gerstenberger said. "The participants left here armed with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions that will impact the health of the entire ecosystem."
Looking at Critical Issues
The symposium featured 47 presentations on critical issues, including:
- discharge of environmental contaminants
- ecological impact of invasive species
- health of aquatic and riparian flora and fauna
- challenges inherent in managing these important natural resources
The goals of the symposium included:
- identifying gaps in scientific data
- initiating greater collaboration among stakeholders
- providing a foundation for future research endeavors
Largest Reservoir in U.S.
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir by volume in the United States and provides diverse recreational opportunities, habitat for numerous fish and wildlife species, drinking water for millions of people, hydropower generation, and water for agricultural uses.
Participating Agencies and Funding
Agencies that participated in the symposium included:
- National Park Service
- Bureau of Reclamation
- Clean Water Coalition
- Nevada Department of Wildlife
- Southern Nevada Water Authority
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Geological Survey
- UNLV
Planning for the Lake Mead Science Symposium was conducted by the UNLV Public Lands Institute and the UNLV School of Community Health Sciences on behalf of the National Park Service. It was funded by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act as part of a larger initiative led by the National Park Service.
Related Information
Lake Mead Science Symposium
Las Vegas Sun story
Las Vegas Review-Journal story
Public Lands Institute
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
