The Salton Sea is California’s largest lake. Created by accident over 100 years ago, it has become more and more salty over the ensuing century, to the point where only a few fish species can survive in it today. With much of its water source cut off due to political issues, the Salton Sea dies a tragic but beautiful death. I fly there whenever I can to document what is happening. These colorful depressions are the former nests of tilapia fish, a hardy — amazingly enough fresh-water – fish from Africa that has adapted to the ever-increasing salinity. As the water levels drop, these nests are exposed to the elements and turn a variety of beautiful colors.
