Dark Oceans Threaten Global Future
A study that utilizes satellite data reveals that a significant portion of the ocean has become dark in recent years. It threatens a huge number of species and, thus, probably the human food chain. This means it also threatens parts of the global economy.
The research labeled “Global Change Biology–Darkening of the Global Ocean” says, “A combination of nutrient, organic material and sediment loading near the coasts and changes in global ocean circulation are probable causes of increases in primary and secondary productivity that have reduced light penetration into surface waters. The implications of ocean darkening for marine ecology and the ecosystem services provided by the surface oceans are currently unknown but likely to be severe.”
2003 To 2020
About 20% of the ocean darkened between 2003 and 2020. Species in the affected area need sunlight and moonlight to live. Global heating may be among the reasons. Prof Oliver Zielinski, the director of the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research in Germany, commented to The Guardian, “Coastal seas, being closest to human activity, are particularly vulnerable, and their resilience is crucial for both ecological health and human wellbeing.”
The paper did not mention whether human pollution was involved.
One clear thing is that industries that rely on marine life will be damaged. Most importantly, the human food supply could be drastically changed if hundreds of species are killed off.
This is not the first study examining the impact of human activity on the decline of large numbers of species. It will not be the last.
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