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Scientists have revealed an alarming development about how climate change is affecting our oceans; showed that small changes at the bottom of the food chain can have large
Scientists have revealed an alarming development about how climate change is affecting our oceans; showed that small changes at the bottom of the food chain can have large impacts on most fish populations. Results of a recent study reveal the complexity of the ocean’s food web and that it is more vulnerable to rising temperatures than previously thought.
Phytoplankton are small plant-like organisms that swim in oceans, seas and lakes. Even though you can’t see them without a microscope, they are incredibly important.
Like plants on land, they use sunlight to produce their own food through photosynthesis. In the process, they produce large amounts of Earth’s oxygen; up to half, according to some estimates. These little guys are the starting point of the food chain in the aquatic environment, feeding on small fish, shrimp and other marine creatures.
Phytoplankton also plays a major role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate our planet’s climate. But they are sensitive to changes in the environment, for example, heating of water. It is alarming that climate models predict that ocean warming will cause phytoplankton levels to drop by 16-26% in regions such as the North Atlantic.
But here’s where it gets worrying: The study found that this seemingly modest decline in phytoplankton could reduce the ocean’s ability to support fish by a staggering 38% to 55%. This is more than double the initial decrease in phytoplankton.
Dr Angus Atkinson from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Dr Axel Rossberg from Queen Mary University of London led the research team that made the discovery. They took a simple approach by examining real-world data on plankton sizes in oceans, seas and lakes around the world.
By looking at the size of the plankton, they were able to determine how efficiently energy moves up the food chain, from tiny phytoplankton to the fish we rely on.
This increasing effect is based on a surprising twist: Temperature, which is often blamed for disruption of the food web, appears to play a secondary role. Instead, the key factor is the total amount of phytoplankton, which determines how efficiently energy flows from small plankton to large fish.
Dr. “Our global analysis sheds light on hidden vulnerabilities,” Atkinson said. “We were surprised that temperature did not directly affect the efficiency of the food web. Instead, we found that ecosystems adapted to warming by changing plankton size.”
In the open ocean, nutrients come from deeper waters. As the surface warms, it becomes more stratified and it becomes harder for these nutrients to reach the overlying phytoplankton.
Dr. “Near the coast or in lakes, excess nutrients from land can cause imbalances such as harmful algal blooms,” notes Rossberg. “But on the massive scales associated with climate change, the real bottleneck is the lack of nutrients from deeper waters.”
To clarify, warming of oceans, seas and lakes indirectly affects fish by reducing the supply of nutrients from deeper waters, which ultimately reduces the size of phytoplankton and interferes with the transfer of energy through the food web.
When phytoplankton abundance changes, the impact can spread throughout the marine ecosystem, affecting everything from water quality to fish abundance.
This is not just a problem for fish; This is the planet’s problem. Many communities around the world depend on fishing for food and livelihood. The study emphasizes that the impact of climate change must be taken into account in fisheries management.
“Global averages can mask the true picture,” explains Dr Atkinson. “Some of the most significant projected reductions occur in areas where fishing activities are concentrated.”
So what can we do about this? Researchers propose a multifaceted approach to ensuring sustainable fisheries in the face of climate change.
Dr. “To develop truly ‘climate-smart’ ocean conservation strategies, we need a combination of plankton-scale structure data and advanced computer simulation models,” Dr. Rossberg concludes. Rossberg. “By understanding the hidden enhancers of the food web, we can better protect the future of our oceans and the vital resources they provide.”
In summary, these scientists found that even a small decrease in phytoplankton levels due to warming oceans can significantly reduce fish populations. They found that it wasn’t just rising temperatures that were causing problems, but also decreasing nutrients reaching these tiny organisms.
This results in smaller plankton and less efficient energy transfer up the food chain; This is bad news for the fish and therefore for us. This study highlights the interconnectedness of the Earth’s ecosystem. Small changes at the bottom can make a big impact at the top.
It reminds us that if we want to protect the health of our planet, we need to pay attention to even the smallest players in the ecosystem. By understanding these hidden mechanisms, we can work on smarter strategies to protect our oceans and the communities that depend on them. The full text of the research was published in the journal Nature Communication.
Source: Port Altele
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
