Monterey Bay Aquarium scientists are closely monitoring the environmental impact of recent battery fires at the Vistra plant in Moss Landing.Elkhorn Slough, located next to the plant, is a seven-mile estuary home to over a hundred otters, many of which are part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Otter Program. Scientists and researchers are particularly concerned about the potential environmental impact on this area."We have not seen an uptick in strandings or any concerning outward signs," said April Ridlon, chief conservation and science officer. "That isn't to say there won't be effects, so one of the things the aquarium is investing in is ecological monitoring there. So not just keeping an eye on the otters but also looking at invertebrates and the things they eat, for example," he added. Ridlon mentioned that aquarium scientists are collaborating with various agencies and conservation groups to collect data on Elkhorn Slough following the fire.This data will help determine if there has been any impact and guide future policy decisions along the California coast.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Monterey Bay Aquarium scientists are closely monitoring the environmental impact of recent battery fires at the Vistra plant in Moss Landing.
Elkhorn Slough, located next to the plant, is a seven-mile estuary home to over a hundred otters, many of which are part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Otter Program. Scientists and researchers are particularly concerned about the potential environmental impact on this area.
"We have not seen an uptick in strandings or any concerning outward signs," said April Ridlon, chief conservation and science officer. "That isn't to say there won't be effects, so one of the things the aquarium is investing in is ecological monitoring there. So not just keeping an eye on the otters but also looking at invertebrates and the things they eat, for example," he added.
Ridlon mentioned that aquarium scientists are collaborating with various agencies and conservation groups to collect data on Elkhorn Slough following the fire.
This data will help determine if there has been any impact and guide future policy decisions along the California coast.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel