What is causing the increase in drift logs on B.C. beaches?

A study points to the logging industry, particularly log booms, as a major contributor to the 520% increase in drift logs.

What is the B.C. government doing about the drift log problem?

The province is promoting the use of barges for log transport and has regulations and licensed salvagers to collect loose logs.

Home / Environment / Drift Logs Devour B.C. Coastal Ecosystems

Drift Logs Devour B.C. Coastal Ecosystems

Q: How do drift logs harm B.C.'s coastal ecosystems?

Drift logs crush marine life in intertidal zones, significantly reducing barnacle populations and impacting the food chain for other species.

4 Jan

•

Summary

Drift logs drastically reduce barnacle populations on B.C. beaches.
A 520% increase in drift logs is linked to the logging industry.
B.C. government shifts to barges to reduce log spills.

A University of Victoria study has identified that common drift logs on British Columbia's shores are responsible for the destruction of vital ocean ecosystems. The constant motion of these logs during tidal changes decimates intertidal zones, significantly reducing barnacle populations, which are a crucial food source for many marine species.

Researchers found a staggering 520% increase in drift logs along the B.C. coast and Haida Gwaii since the late 19th century. A significant portion of this increase is attributed to the logging industry, particularly from log booms that can break apart during storms. This widespread issue affects even remote shorelines.

The B.C. government is addressing the problem by encouraging the forestry sector to use barges instead of log booms for transporting harvested timber. This change is expected to decrease the number of loose logs. Additionally, licensed salvagers are actively collecting stray logs, with a substantial amount recovered annually.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.