The declining whale population has a significant impact on the ocean’s ecosystem and climate. Whales serve as an essential part of the ocean’s food chain and play a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients in the water. A recent study by the Norwegian Institute for Marine Research sheds light on the importance of whales and their role in maintaining a healthy ocean.
The study analysed the concentration of nutrients in whale excrement before it was dissolved in the water. The results showed that the excrement of whales serves as a fertiliser that helps to boost phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are tiny plant-like organisms that float in the surface waters of the ocean. They are an essential part of the ocean’s food chain and play a key role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and converting it into oxygen.
Phytoplankton Absorption of Carbon Dioxide
Phytoplankton play an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change. When phytoplankton die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking the absorbed carbon dioxide with them. This process is known as the “biological pump” and helps to store carbon in the deep ocean, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.
The Role of Whales in Phytoplankton Growth
The study found that whale excrement acts as a natural fertiliser for phytoplankton, providing them with the necessary nutrients for growth. Whales feed on small organisms such as krill and plankton, which they filter from the water using their baleen plates. When they excrete, they release a high concentration of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the water. These nutrients act as a fertilizer for phytoplankton, promoting their growth and helping to maintain a healthy ocean ecosystem.
The Impact of Declining Whale Population
The decline in the whale population has a negative impact on the ocean’s ecosystem and climate. Fewer whales means less excrement, which in turn reduces the amount of nutrients in the water, leading to a decline in phytoplankton growth. This can have a cascading effect on the entire ocean’s food chain, as phytoplankton serve as a food source for many species of marine life, including fish and sea mammals.
In addition, the decline in phytoplankton growth can also impact the ocean’s carbon cycle. Less phytoplankton means less carbon dioxide absorption, leading to an increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This can exacerbate the effects of climate change, leading to rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and other environmental issues.