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New research has brought to light a worrying trend, climate change is subtly eroding the ocean’s ability to support plankton, leading to a swift decrease in fish populations.
In the study published in the journal Nature Communications, the finding is significant as even slight reductions in plankton, the primary food source in the ocean, result in substantial declines in fish populations.
Dr. Angus Atkinson from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Dr. Axel Rossberg from Queen Mary University of London spearhead the research.
Their study reveals a previously undetected amplifying effect within the ocean’s food chain. They discovered that a 16-26% reduction in plankton, as anticipated in regions like the North Atlantic, could lead to a dramatic 38-55% decrease in the ocean’s ability to sustain fish.
This occurrence is largely due to the decrease in phytoplankton across various latitudes, a consequence of warmer waters and nutrient insulation from deeper layers.
Interestingly, despite the North Atlantic experiencing a decline in plankton over the past 50 years, the effect on fish populations is still unclear, with models presenting diverse projections.
Climate change affects ocean’s food chain
In a departure from conventional global-scale computer models, the research team employed a unique, data-driven methodology. They scrutinized the size structure of plankton and assembled an extensive global database. This enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of how energy transfers from minuscule phytoplankton to larger fish species.
Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that temperature is a secondary factor in disrupting food webs. The primary determinant is the abundance of phytoplankton, which governs the efficiency of energy transfer.
Dr. Atkinson, one of the lead researchers, shared, “Our global analysis uncovers a hidden vulnerability. We were surprised to discover that temperature doesn’t directly impact food web efficiency. Instead, we observe ecosystems adapting to warming by altering the size of plankton.”
Warmer oceans lead to a reduced nutrient supply from deeper waters, resulting in smaller phytoplankton and a less efficient energy flow. Dr. Atkinson further explained, “This suggests the main threat stems from a diminished nutrient supply, leading to smaller plankton, elongated food chains, and inefficient foraging.”
While these findings may seem counterintuitive, Dr. Rossberg provides a broader context. He explains, “Near the shore or in lakes, excess nutrients from land can cause imbalances like harmful algal blooms. However, on the vast scales relevant to climate change, it’s the scarcity of nutrients from deeper waters that becomes the major bottleneck.”
This research highlights the importance of incorporating climate change considerations into fisheries management. Dr. Atkinson emphasizes that global averages can mask significant declines in fish populations, particularly in areas subject to heavy fishing.
Safeguarding of oceans, plankton
The study underscores the pressing need to incorporate climate change considerations into fisheries management. Dr. Atkinson explains, “Global averages can often conceal the real situation. The most significant projected declines are in areas with high fishing activities.”
Acknowledging this urgency, Dr. Rossberg advocates for a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainable fisheries in the face of climate change. He asserts, “An amalgamation of data on plankton size structure and sophisticated computer models is crucial for devising effective, climate-smart strategies for ocean protection.”
The research brings to light a hidden facet of climate change, emphasizing the need for a deeper comprehension of the ocean’s food webs, particularly the role of phytoplankton.
By identifying these hidden amplifiers, we can enhance our efforts to protect our oceans and their vital resources, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for marine life.
Dr. Rossberg concludes, “We require a blend of data on plankton size structure and advanced computer simulation models to design truly ‘climate-smart’ strategies for ocean protection. By understanding the hidden amplifiers within the food web, we can better secure the future of our oceans and the essential resources they offer.”
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