Dolphin Tales: Wildfire impacts on our oceans
Curious as a cat about the effects of wildfires burning near coastal areas and the impact they have on the ocean. Especially with the major fires burning this year in California, I felt there had to be some residue. Indeed, research indicates that wildfires have a significant impact on ocean ecosystems.
Wildfires may occur miles from the coast, but burning vegetation and other materials release chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants into the water. These pollutants, carried by wind currents and settling on the oceans and waterways, affect water quality and lead to potential contamination. They clog fish gills, smother marine habitats and disrupt the natural flow of rivers and streams.
Increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from burned vegetation, lead to algal blooms which consume oxygen in the water. This depletes oxygen levels in the water and creates dead zones where marine life cannot survive. Plankton becomes covered in ash and is carried through the food chain. Chemicals such as chromium and mercury become woven deeply into the food chain. This runoff of toxins impacts the food chain affecting our fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles and all sea life. Wildfires can even raise the water temperatures, which can stress marine organisms that are adapted to cooler waters.
The wildfires in California were a major concern this year, mainly affecting the west coast. However, a major fire occurred within the Ocala National Forest, just north of Southwest Florida, in April 2023. A lightning storm swept through the area igniting the fire. Although not directly impacting the ocean, it released ash, sediment and other debris into waterways which ultimately flowed to the ocean. Increased turbidity (cloudiness) reduces sunlight penetration and therefore reduces the growth of phytoplankton which is the base of our aquatic food chain.
Ash from wildfires contains nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. Essentially, these nutrients (fertilizers) when released into the sea lead to increased algal growth. The algal blooms, in turn, deplete oxygen levels in the water which harms food for marine life.
Another interesting fact about wildfires and seawater is that firefighters cannot use seawater to fight the flames. The salty composition of seawater accelerates corrosion in firefighting equipment such as aircraft tanks, pumps and hoses. This not only increases maintenance costs but also reduces the lifespan and efficiency of the necessary equipment to fight fires. Also salt water reduces the cooling effect of water, therefore it is less efficient as a firefighting tool.
Fighting fires is indeed complex. Thank you to our firefighters! We appreciate you!
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating on our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call /text 239 994-2572. Welcome aboard!