Why Your Pristine Beach Might Be Bad News For Its Ecosystem
Heads in the sand.
-
CategorySustainability
A perfectly manicured coastline may be inviting on the surface, but a new study suggests a constant combing could spell big trouble for its smaller inhabitants. According to Bloomberg, 67% of the state’s coast could be completely eroded by the end of the century if the trend continues.
“Grooming and filling, primarily intended to beautify the sand for human recreation, is altering the biodiversity of beach ecosystems, according to new research from University of California, Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute. Urban beaches with heavy traffic had about half as many native insects and crustaceans than did reference beaches, the study found. The removal of wrack, such as kelp and seaweed, can also be detrimental to local species that rely on it for food and shelter, according to lead author Nick Schooler.
These impacts could contribute to regional losses of biodiversity and degrade ecological stability, resilience and function of these widespread coastal ecosystems, he adds.”
Is the damage irreversible? Read more here.
California’s Tax Credit Lures Hollywood Crews Beyond Los Angeles
Productions in the program have spent more than $130 million across 19 counties outside the city.
Hey, Weekend: Meandering Through Mendocino
Get lost in this charming and laid-back community.
Southern Charm: Is the Future of Tech in Silicon Beach?
With companies like Snapchat, Hulu and Tinder based in SoCal, emerging tech companies look to Los Angeles for a talent pool of creativity and innovation.