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.,~... - - 3 UJ1-~) 2002] THE LAST GREEN LAGOON 909 ThiS remarkable regenerative capacity has rekindled interest in the Delta. Recent research has revealed that the Delta plays a crucial ecological role in both the U.S. and Mexico, and indeed throughout the North American continent.25 The Delta's historic freshwater flows dilute the salty sea, providing brackish water habitats crucial to the successful, reproduction of countless species offish, shrimp, invertebrates, and other marine animals in the Sea of Cortes.26 The influx of freshwater also provides a continuous supply of rich nutrients to the Sea of Cortes' marine ecosystem, which during the Delta's heyday ranked as one of the most diverse and productive on Earth. 27 ,The Delta also serves as an enormous species reservoir. Although few speCies are endemic to the Delta itself, virtually all inhabit upstream riparian habitats in the Colorado River Basin.28 Historically, when floods, droughts, and other catastrophes wiped out species in parts of the river basin. Delta populations would move upstream to colonize vacant habitats,29 preventing extinctions and preserving biological diversity. Finally. the Delta performs an important ecological function on a contillental scale. serving as a major stopover point on the Pacific Flyway. a bird migration corridor through which more than 75% of North American birds pass each year as they make their way north and south.30 The widespread loss of wetland and riverine habitat throughout the American' West and Southwest has made the Delta's role all the more critical. The remarkable ecological comeback in the Delta over the past decade and a half is cause for hope that this crucial ecosystem can be preserved. However, the Delta's enormous regenerative capacity is currently being stretched to its limit. Long-term restoration of the Delta will require one critical ingredient - more water.31 Unfortunately, the inadequate amount of water the Delbi receives today is guaranteed to decline in the future. More efficient operation of the river system and its associated irrigation projects will reduce flood and wastewater flows to the Delta.32 Without a legally guaranteed flow of water, 25. See LUECKE. supra note 19. at iv. 26. rd. at 2, 7. 27. rd. at 2. 28. See Pitt et al., supra note 2, at825-826 29. E-mail from Edward Glenn. Professor of 'Soil. Water, and Environmental Science. University of Arizona (March 8,2002). 30. Pitt et aI., supra note 2, at 829-30. 31. See generally Briggs & Cornelius, supra note 11. 32. See discussion infra Part N.D: