Research has revealed that zooplankton, often unnoticed in the vast expanse of the ocean, play a crucial role in combatting global warming by migrating deep into the waters of Antarctica. This "migration pump" mechanism allows them to store and sequester massive amounts of carbon equivalent to the annual emissions produced by approximately 55 million cars, as they consume phytoplankton and transform it into fat during spring. However, these unsung heroes, specifically copepods, krill, and salps, face increasing threats from climate change and commercial activities, potentially endangering their vital environmental function.
Scientists led by Dr. Guang Yang have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the carbon-storage capabilities of zooplankton within the Southern Ocean. This previously under-acknowledged creature’s annual migration process presents significant implications for how much carbon the ocean can sequester. Dr. Jennifer Freer highlights the importance of their unique life cycle, stating, "The animals are an unsung hero because they have such a cool way of life."
The study, which analyzed data going back to the 1920s, revealed that millions of tonnes of carbon are transported to depths of at least 500 meters each year by these organisms, a process that allows carbon to be locked away for decades to centuries. Without these small creatures, the Earth's atmosphere would be dramatically warmer, as oceans currently absorb 90% of the excess heat generated by human activity.
Despite their significance, warming seas and rising commercial fishing of krill pose urgent threats to these organisms' populations. As highlighted by Prof. Angus Atkinson, without the biological pump provided by zooplankton, CO2 levels in the atmosphere would be much higher, making it essential to integrate these findings into future climate models for a comprehensive understanding of their impact on global warming. The research findings were published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography, calling for urgency in addressing the sustainability of our oceans and the vital roles these tiny creatures play.
