Article**: Oceans and Wetlands.
Climate change is quietly undermining the ocean's ability to sustain plankton, one of the ocean's main foods**, and their small reductions can lead to significant fish populations. A recent study published in Nature Communications revealed a previously unnoticed amplification effect in the marine food chain. Based on the North Atlantic and other regionsThe study found that a 16-26% reduction in plankton could lead to a 38-55% decrease in the ocean's ability to support fish。This phenomenon is largely attributed to the decline of phytoplankton at all latitudes, which is the result of warming waters and deep nutrient sequestration.
However, in the case of climate change, studies have shown that the decline in phytoplankton biomass is amplified at higher trophic levels, with serious implications for fisheries and carbon storage. The extent and mechanism of this nutrient amplification vary greatly in different models, and it is difficult to validate this.
Source: Green Club Media.
Unlike traditional global-scale computer models, the research team took a unique data-driven approach. By examining the size structure of plankton and compiling a comprehensive global database, we can better understand how energy is transferred from microscopic phytoplankton to larger fish species.
Contrary to popular belief, this study shows that:Temperature plays a secondary role in disrupting the food web, while the main factor is the abundance of phytoplankton, which determines the efficiency of energy transfer
"We were surprised to find that temperature did not directly affect the efficiency of the food web," the researchers said. Instead, we see ecosystems adapting to warming by changing the size of plankton. ”
Warming oceans reduce nutrients in deeper waters**, resulting in smaller phytoplankton and less efficient energy flow. "This suggests that the main threat comes from a reduction in nutrients, resulting in smaller plankton, longer food chains, and inefficient foraging. ”
The researchers explain: "Near the coast or lake, excess nutrients from land can lead to nutrient imbalances, such as harmful algal blooms. But on a large scale associated with climate change, nutrient deficiencies in deep waters are a major bottleneck. ”
This study highlights the need and urgency to integrate climate change considerations into fisheries management. The global average is likely to mask a significant decline in fish populations, especially in areas where fish are heavily fished. In the era of climate change, sustainable fisheries require a multifaceted approach.
We need to combine data on the size structure of plankton with sophisticated computer simulations to design truly 'climate-smart' ocean conservation strategies," the researchers said. ”
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