The January 2025 California Wildfires are Fully Contained, But Their Impacts on the Ocean are Not

The January 2025 wildfires in Southern California have greatly impacted not just the land but also the ocean. As heavy rains followed, pollutants and toxic runoff from the fires washed into local waters, threatening marine life and public health. These effects include potential harm to the food web, especially for species like anchovies, which are crucial for many marine animals. Additionally, the ash and debris could smother kelp forests, disrupting vital ecosystems. Scientists are actively studying these changes and urging awareness of how wildfire runoff can threaten coastal waters.