Impacts of wildfire runoff on giant kelp in Malibu, California

Lori A Berberian; Christine M. Lee; Erin L. Hestir; Kyle C. Cavanaugh; Amanda M Lopez; Carmen Blackwood; Dulcinea Marie Avouris

doi:10.1109/igarss53475.2024.10642264

USGS · 70256226

Impacts of wildfire runoff on giant kelp in Malibu, California

Lori A Berberian·Christine M. Lee·Erin L. Hestir·Kyle C. Cavanaugh·Amanda M Lopez·Carmen Blackwood·Dulcinea Marie Avouris

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of post-wildfire sediment runoff on giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) populations in Malibu, California, following the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The research utilizes satellite data and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to assess changes in sediment delivery and its correlation with reduced kelp abundance. Findings indicate a significant decrease in kelp canopy recovery, post-fire, with ongoing limited regrowth up to 2023. This study underscores the critical impacts of wildfire-induced sediment runoff on marine ecosystems and emphasizes the need for tailored coastal management and restoration strategies to mitigate these effects and support the resilience of kelp forests, which are vital for biodiversity and coastal ecosystem services.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 33.992003205965474° to 34.060284928613825° latitude; -118.7296169597984° to -118.64014581277758° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Lori A Berberian, Christine M. Lee, Erin L. Hestir, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Amanda M Lopez, Carmen Blackwood, Dulcinea Marie Avouris. 2024. Impacts of wildfire runoff on giant kelp in Malibu, California. https://doi.org/10.1109/igarss53475.2024.10642264

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