GEESE | Estudos

Plankton decline across oceans as waters warm

Phytoplankton in its myriad varieties is essential for life in the oceans

The amount of phytoplankton - tiny marine plants - in the top layers of the oceans has declined markedly over the last century, research suggests.

Writing in the journal Nature, scientists say the decline appears to be linked to rising water temperatures.

Vital Marine Plants in Steep Decline

By GAUTAM NAIK

Rising sea temperatures can harm the tiny plant life that forms the base of the oceans' food chain as well as affect the diversity of marine life, two new studies have found.

Are Our Oceans Dying?

Phytoplankton has Declined Terrifying 40% in 60 Years
Microscopic marine algae which form the basis of the ocean food chain are dying at a terrifying rate, scientists said today.

Pacific sardines (Sardinops Sagax) are pictured in 2006. A century-long decline in tiny algae called phytoplankton could disrupt the global ocean food chain, including the human consumption of fish, according to a study released Wednesday. (AFP/File/Gabriel Bouys)