Tourists visiting Antarctica are contributing to important research on the crucial role of phytoplankton, which form the foundation of marine food webs. By gathering samples, researchers from the FjordPhyto program are investigating shifts in the Antarctic ecosystem that affect species like krill and migratory whales. Understanding phytoplankton health is essential, as these microorganisms not only sustain large marine populations but also play a critical role in the overall health of oceanic ecosystems. The study of these tiny organisms reveals broader implications for ecological dynamics and food web stability.
In order to understand how the balance of power in the Antarctic food web could be shifting, researchers with the FjordPhyto program are utilizing samples collected from tourists.
Phytoplankton, which form the base of the food web in the ocean, are crucial to understanding ecological dynamics, yet monitoring their health has historically been a challenge.
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