Devendra Kumar
Residents of Maui are worried about the devastating impact on marine life after the deadliest US wildfire in a century, which ravaged over 2,000 buildings in Lahaina, leaving behind toxic debris. As scientists study the effects of chemicals and metals from burned plastics, lead paint, and lithium-ion batteries on the vulnerable reef ecosystem, they’re finding no precedent for a large urban fire burning next to a coral reef.
Researchers are working to determine the consequences of contaminants entering the ocean and food chain, and how they might affect coral, seaweed, and fish. The Maui Department of Land and Natural Resources is urging the public to limit exposure to the ocean and seafood until more is known, and the state House is considering a bill to provide long-term funding for water quality monitoring to address the concerns of residents whose lives are intimately connected to the ocean. The research is not only crucial for Maui but also for tropical communities worldwide, as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events.
According to Dr. Marina Chapman, a leading expert in the field, “We’re looking at the potential long-term effects of these pollutants on the coral reef ecosystem, which is already struggling due to climate change. It’s a complex issue, and we need to understand how the chemicals and metals from the fire are affecting the ocean’s food chain and the organisms that live there.”
Local resident and fisherman, Jerry Ah Mook, echoed the concern, saying, “We’re worried about the impact it will have on our livelihood and the long-term health of our reefs. We need to take action now to mitigate the damage and protect our ocean for future generations.” The research is ongoing, and residents are anxiously awaiting the results, knowing that the fate of their beloved ocean and the creatures that call it home hangs in the balance.