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Impact of grass fires on ecology
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Posted on May 28 2008
Hi it’s me CoCo!
With the many grass fires occurring in our islands I wanted share that this loss of vegetation—even if it is only grass—can lead to additional losses and impacts.
These impacts include sedimentation, turbidity and reduced water quality.
Vegetation whether grass or trees or yes, even ‘tagantagan’, through their roots, holds soil in place. Sediment, with the help of rain storms, makes its way to our lagoon, increasing its turbidity or cloudiness, and does not allow as much light to penetrate the water. While high levels of turbidity for a short period of time (such as erosion caused by wildfires) may not be significant, aquatic organisms are generally affected. Plants still need sunlight in order to perform photosynthesis.
The gills of aquatic animals have the potential to become clogged from the sediments. Sediment that settles to the bottom can lead to the suffocation of fish eggs and benthic macro invertebrates and can cause the destruction of spawning substrate.
Also, as the sediment settles, it can bury corals or cause them to expend a large amount of energy keeping their surfaces clean.
This is why we should take preventive measures to manage erosion and sedimentation. Land clearing activities can be controlled and is regulated. While wildfires can be controlled, it is not as easy, especially for areas that are uninhabited or out of the way.
None of us like the look of ‘dirty’ water, so when forest or grass fires occur, it’s a call for some maintaining.
How can you help? Plant a tree or seedlings in As Matuis, Papau Beach, Kannat Tabla, Chalan Kiya, Wireless area. [B][I](CoCo)[/I][/B]
