The Quiz: What are these colorful, shallow streams and ponds in San Francisco Bay used for?
A Marine transport
B Chemical waste disposal
C Salt harvesting
The salt flats of San Francisco Bay have long been developed as commercial salt ponds for the harvest of sea salt. Industrial salt mining grew dramatically in the area after the California gold rush (1848-1855) brought waves of settlers. However, the low- and mid-salinity marshes provide vital feeding grounds for many of the shorebirds that live in the wetlands of San Francisco Bay. That’s why, in recent years, efforts have begun to restore the land to its original state.
The correct answer to this quiz is Salt harvesting.