Wildfire debris threatens marine life in Southern California

Marine biologists are working to protect sea life after debris from recent wildfires has created problems in the ocean. This debris is blocking sunlight from reaching underwater plants, which is harming them. Following the January wildfires, large amounts of debris have been spotted off the Southern California coast. A viral video showed a floating debris island near Malibu, raising concerns about its impact on marine life. Experts believe that it may take months or even years to fully understand the effects of the Palisades Fire on the ocean ecosystem. The nonprofit group Heal the Bay reports that heavy metals levels in the ocean remain high. The immediate issue is that the debris blocks sunlight, which is critical for photosynthesis. This can lead to the death of underwater plants. Kelp, an important species that supports many marine creatures, is particularly affected. Hayden Schneider from Kelp Ark noted, “We haven’t been able to find any full giant kelps in the water,” suggesting there may already be damage. In response, conservationists are trying to restore kelp forests near Topanga Beach and Big Rock Beach. They are collecting the remaining healthy plants for preservation until the debris clears. Kevin Gaines, Kelp Ark's operations director, explained that they bring live plants to their facility to help them reproduce. The plant material is being safely stored, and some samples continue to grow in a controlled environment. When conditions improve, divers will replant the healthy kelp back into the ocean. While efforts are underway to address the immediate effects of the debris, there are ongoing concerns about heavy metals contaminating the food chain. This poses potential health risks for marine life and humans in the long run.