Coastal ecological impacts from pumice rafts

A volcanic eruption in the Ogasawara Islands in August 2021 led to unprecedented pumice rafting, with significant ecological impacts observed along the coasts of Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island. The study documents early evidence of ecosystem changes, including disruptions to coral reefs, mangrove forests, and estuaries, as well as obstacles to fishing and maritime activities. Pumice stranding caused short- and long-term alterations in coastal ecosystems, with potential implications for similar regions like Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu Islands where pumice later washed ashore. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the broader ecological consequences of such events.

Ohno, Y., Iguchi, A., Ijima, M., Yasumoto, K., & Suzuki, A. (2022). Coastal ecological impacts from pumice rafts. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14614-y