Outdoor seating in urban areas has become a popular feature of city life, but its impact on local ecosystems, particularly aquatic insects like fishflies, is often overlooked. Fishflies, which thrive near water bodies, undergo a life cycle heavily dependent on environmental conditions. The introduction of outdoor seating near lakes, rivers, or ponds can disrupt their habitat in several ways.

First, increased human activity around seating areas often leads to water pollution from litter, food waste, and chemical runoff. This contamination can harm fishfly larvae, which are sensitive to water quality. Additionally, artificial lighting from nearby cafes or restaurants can interfere with their nocturnal behaviors, affecting mating and feeding patterns.

The construction of seating platforms may also alter shoreline vegetation, reducing the natural cover fishflies rely on for protection and reproduction. Such changes can shorten their life cycle or even drive local populations to decline.

To mitigate these effects, urban planners should consider eco-friendly designs, such as permeable seating materials and buffer zones between seating areas and water bodies. By balancing urban development with environmental conservation, cities can support both human enjoyment and the survival of delicate species like fishflies.