Ecotourism in Crimea aims to preserve the environment
The US National Park Service has reported that a magnitude 7 earthquake off the coast of Northern California may have negatively impacted the only known habitat of the devil's hole pupfish. This extremely rare fish species is found exclusively in Devil's Hole within Death Valley National Park. The tremors caused waves in the geothermal pool, which could have led to the loss of fish eggs.
Devil's Hole is a geothermal pool about five meters deep. It is located in a deep cave with a complex system of underground waters. The temperature in the pool does not fall below 30°C. Devil's hole pupfish have adapted to life in such extreme conditions. According to the latest data, the population of this species is about 200 individuals.
Scientists are now assessing the potential impact on the inhabitants of Devil's Hole. Usually, the pool is protected from winds and other external influences, so the water in it is calm. The waves disturbed the shallow shelf where pupfish spawn. In addition, a large portion of organic matter was washed from the shelf into the cave, whose depth is about 150 meters. Now it will be more difficult for fish to find food. In this regard, scientists plan to additionally feed the pupfish.
The report notes that there may be some positive effects from the "shake-up" for the fish, but in the long term. The waves washed away decaying organic matter that could have caused low-oxygen areas. Scientists suggest that fish may also increase spawning activity. This is what they did in 2018, 2019, and 2022, when seiches—standing waves—already occurred in the pool.
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