Phase I: Assessment of Glass Fiber in the Cowichan Estuary and its Impact on Benthic Fauna and the Food Chain
Phase I: Glass Fiber Assessment of Estuarine Sediment and Biofilm
CERCA Research Project 2024-2026 — Dr. Goetz Schuerholz, CERCA Chair
The Cowichan Estuary is a vital ecosystem supporting diverse marine life, migratory birds, and local communities. Recent concerns about glass microfibers—a byproduct of fiberglass materials—have highlighted their potential impact on estuarine habitats, benthic fauna, and the food chain. This report delves into Phase I of CERCA’s 2024-2026 research project, assessing glass fiber presence in sediment and biofilm to better understand its implications for the ecosystem.
