Brine shrimp, tiny crustaceans living in the Great Salt Lake area for hundreds of thousands of years, are now officially the state crustacean of Utah.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed House Bill 137 into law March 17, according to the legislature’s website. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on February 17 and the state Senate on March 3. Brine shrimp join other unusual Utah state symbols such as the state dinosaur – the Utahraptor, obviously – and the state cooking pot, a Dutch oven.
Their eggs are harvested and used as food for fish and shrimp, helping to contribute to a multimillion-dollar business in Utah, the release noted. The brine shrimp fishery at the Great Salt Lake “supplies over 40% of the worldwide demand for brine shrimp,” according to the department. And it is not just humans who benefit from the shrimp population.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Terry Tempest Williams: I am haunted by what I have seen at Great Salt LakeTerry Tempest Williams: 'Great Salt Lake’s death and the death of the lives she sustains could become our death, too.'
Read more »
What vital signs will show us that the Great Salt Lake is improving?Utah's record-setting winter has been exciting for both skiers and lawmakers working to revive the ailing Great Salt Lake. Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters in mid-March that lake levels were up 2 feet and they were hopeful for 5 feet more.
Read more »
Searching for great coffee, Utah couple finally opens their own coffee truckAshley and Jayson Johns went all over Utah to find a perfect cup of coffee — and ended up opening their own coffee truck in Utah County.
Read more »
Searching for great coffee, Utah couple finally open their own coffee truck“Utah’s kind of villanized coffee,” Jayson Johns said, with a laugh. “There’s so much more than what we’re offering than just the coffee.” The Johns’ response has been to offer a wide variety on their menu.
Read more »
Safe Kids Salt Lake County celebrates 25th anniversary of Safe Kids FairHundreds of families learned about safety and resources for children during Safe Kids Salt Lake County's annual SafeUT Safe Kids Fair.
Read more »
Unbeaten expansion team St. Louis City routs Real Salt LakeMajor League Soccer expansion team St. Louis City extended its winning streak to five games to start the season with a 4-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
Read more »