Plankton Decline

Phytoplankton are affecting the entire world around them!

Phytoplankton exist in the sunlight layer of the world's oceans to grow and gather energy. They also play a major role in the world's carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous cycles, which can not only affect the world's oceans but the entire world. Since 1950, the Phytoplankton population has dropped nearly 40%. That translates to about a drop about 1 % of the average plankton population between 1899-2008. They blame the rising of sea temperatures on the decline of Phytoplankton, lessening the population. Phytoplankton are the base of the food chain concerning many scientists, which leads them to wonder what might happen in 10 years. When Phytoplankton die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean, depositing their carbon in the sediment where it can be trapped for long periods of time. A demonstration was put in place by a team of researchers. They found out that increasing warmth caused by a changing climate will upset the natural cycles of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and phosphorous. This will affect the plankton which also may cause harm to for fish and other species higher up on the food chain. I feel as though something should be done because Phytoplankton are slowly taking over, increasing the risk of other species decreasing.  

• Morello, Lauren, and ClimateWire. "Phytoplankton Population Drops 40 Percent Since 1950." Scientific American Global RSS. Scientific American, 29 July 2010. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
• Kirby, Alex. "Plankton Will Suffer as Oceans Warm." Climate News Network. Climate News Network, 8 Sept. 2013. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.