NOTE: JOVRNALISM launched on May 31, 2017. The Desert Sun launched their project on June 11, 2017.
The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, has an interesting history and an uncertain future. This lake is at a dangerous turning point that could create one of the state’s largest environmental disasters.
Using 360 video, drones and computer graphics, this 7-part immersive series explores the different stories and communities that surround the Sea.
The project is a partnership between Gannett’s The Desert Sun and USC’s JOVRNALISM.
For more information about this project and to learn about the Salton Sea, check the project’s official launch page: California’s Dying Lake http://www.desertsun.com/saltonsea/
We recommend viewing via the JOVRNALISM (iOS / Android) app for the best experience or view it via this YouTube playlist.
This is the largest JOVRNALISM production to date, merging two USC classes together: Prof. Robert Hernandez’ Hands-on disruption course that brings students together around a technology (360/VR) and Prof. Stuart Sender’s Environmental Journalism course.
These students with diverse backgrounds came together to produce this semester-long project, which included several trips to the sea. They are:
While everyone worked hard on this project, I’d like to give a special shout out to these students: Winters, who did the narration; Quon, who did the credits, graphics and some editing; and Moujaes, who was the lead editor and producer for the project.
The Desert Sun’s Executive Editor Greg Burton wrote a great editors note that talks about the making of the project: http://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/2017/06/11/salton-seas-radical-turning-point-needed-different-kind-storytelling/386044001/
This journey to the sea began with the Sun’s Burton and Sarah Day Owen approaching Hernandez to see if there could be a collaboration.
Although this is all student-driven, journalists Ian James, Zoe Meyers and Sammy Roth, all from the Sun, worked with the students throughout this entire project.
Ben Kreimer joined the team during the students’ Spring Break to consult and help capture 360-degree drone video. Alex Pearce guest lectured the class, offering some production tips.
Our project has also been published on the USA TODAY VR Stories app.
This could not be possible without help from a Knight Foundation grant that covered for much of the expenses.
Hello if the water transfer from the Sea of Cortez to the Salton Sea is implemented it would solve the health and environmental issues of the region and can be used as an wild nursery for endangered species like the Totoaba, Vaquita porpoise or sea turtles by adding bait fish it will be self-sustaining with the bait fish fed by recycled organics reducing trash in our landfills. Fish farming and recreational fishing are possible opportunities. The water transfer would create a natural current to reduce algae blooms and costs can be reduced by using green energy and gravity to transfer the water in and out. There’s fresh water rivers entering the salton sea needed for Totoaba reproduction or a desalinization plant could be used to help generate fresh water also reducing the salinity levels. It will take multiple groups and organizations to implement but it is worth the effort. Funding for the project could be generated by funds from multiple wildlife organizations, taxes from new business and new development of the area or a special use stamp on fishing, boating, and hunting activities user’s of the salton sea needed for long term revenue. Bruce Wilcox of the Salton Sea Authority. Thank you, Sincerely Gerald Taggart http://www.chummingflag.com