Overview

• Ash and debris from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles have been detected up to 100 miles offshore, including near the Channel Islands.
• Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA are analyzing water samples to assess the effects of toxic materials like lead, asbestos, and microplastics on marine life.
• The fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, burned over 37,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures, and released pollutants into the ocean ecosystem.
• Initial findings suggest ash particles may impact marine food webs, with potential consequences ranging from nutrient boosts for microorganisms to harmful algal blooms.
• Ongoing studies aim to track chemical changes in the water and examine how toxins may accumulate in marine organisms, affecting both ecosystems and human food sources.