W&F: Proof of scale causing land loss

Scientists have been warning of a fast-moving, tiny foreign insect – called a scale – that has been killing off the tall-growing roseau cane that protects much of south Louisiana’s wetlands. Now, the state Wildlife and Fisheries (W&F) have their first measurement of land lost. Over the past 16 months, the die-off of the cane has triggered from 625 feet and 940 feet of coastal retreat in parts of six lower Mississippi River Delta channels in south Plaquemines Parish, according to W&F. "It's been difficult to see and show the loss, and to quantify it," W&F biologist Todd Baker told NOLA.com. W&F used satellite imagery to compare the six channels. "But this shows we've lost quite a bit," said Baker. The die-off compounds an already dire land loss crisis. Plaquemines was already expected to lose half its land area within 50 years due to erosion and sea level rise, according to the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The lower delta is dominated by the roseau cane, which has been under attack from a the scale - native to Japan and China. (Source: NOLA.com 06/28/18)