When we think of the ocean, we think of a great blue expanse, but recent images from NASA’s Modis-Aqua satellite show our oceans are becoming steadily greener — and not in a good way. Changes in phytoplankton populations, which are made up of microbes that contain chlorophyll, are causing a change in our oceans’ color, according to data from a new study and as reported by the Guardian. Since the color of the ocean is mainly the result of what occupies its upper layers, the more phytoplankton living there, the greener the water will be.

Phytoplankton is the base of most marine food chains, making them essential to ocean ecosystems. According to the Guardian, changes in their populations have been found in over 56% of our oceans, which is an area larger than all of the land on Earth. BB Cael, a scientist at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and author of the study, called it a “greening effect” and told the Guardian, “We do have changes in the color that are significantly emerging in almost all of the ocean of the tropics or subtropics.” Cael went on to say, “These are not ultra, massive ecosystem-destroying changes, they may be subtle … But this gives us an additional piece of evidence that human activity is likely affecting large parts of the global biosphere in a way that we haven’t been able to understand.”

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, and our health is intertwined with its health. Our oceans feed us, regulate our climate, and generate 50-80% of our oxygen. In short, if the oceans die, we die with them. “The reason we care about this is not because we care about the color, but because the color is a reflection of the changes in the state of the ecosystem,” Cael told the Guardian. One of these changes is the recent abundance of plastics in the ocean caused by human pollution, and they are wreaking havoc on the ocean environment.

Scientists Discover Startling Phenomenon Taking Place in Our Oceans: ‘We Haven’t Been Able to Understand’

When we picture the ocean, we often envision a vast expanse of deep blue water. However, recent images from NASA’s Modis-Aqua satellite reveal that our oceans are gradually becoming greener – and not in a positive way.

The Changing Color of the Oceans

According to a new study, changes in phytoplankton populations, which are microscopic organisms containing chlorophyll, are responsible for the shift in ocean color. Phytoplankton reside in the upper layers of the ocean, and the more abundant they become, the greener the water appears.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon, researchers analyzed two decades’ worth of satellite observations through a broader spectrum, including red and blue wavelengths. Different sizes and pigments of plankton scatter and absorb light in distinct ways, enabling scientists to study changes in ocean color and subsequently track global variations in plankton populations.

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine food chains, serving as the foundation of most ocean ecosystems. Alarming findings from the study indicate that changes in phytoplankton populations have been detected across over 56% of our oceans, encompassing an area larger than the entirety of Earth’s landmass.

BB Cael, a scientist at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and the study’s author, referred to this phenomenon as a "greening effect." He emphasized that these changes may not be immediately catastrophic but underscored the evidence that human activity is likely impacting significant portions of the global biosphere in ways we have yet to comprehend fully.

The Importance of Healthy Oceans

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on our planet, and its well-being is intrinsically linked to our own. Our oceans provide sustenance, regulate the climate, and produce between 50-80% of the oxygen we breathe. In essence, if the oceans suffer, so do we.

BB Cael emphasized that the concern surrounding the changing color of our oceans is not solely due to aesthetics. Instead, the color serves as a reflection of the state of the ecosystem. One particular factor contributing to these changes is the abundance of plastic pollution in the ocean. Human activities have led to a significant increase in plastic waste, which is wreaking havoc on marine environments.

Preserving Our Oceans

To protect and preserve our oceans, several actions can be taken. One crucial step is reducing the overheating of our planet by transitioning away from single-use plastics and adopting clean energy practices. Additionally, individuals can contribute by limiting the burning of methane gas through actions such as utilizing public transportation, cycling, or switching to electric vehicles.

By implementing these measures, we can work towards safeguarding the health of our oceans and, in turn, our own well-being.

Takeaways

1. The color of our oceans is changing due to shifts in phytoplankton populations.
2. Phytoplankton serve as the foundation of marine food chains and are vital to ocean ecosystems.
3. Changes in ocean color reflect the overall health and state of the ecosystem.
4. Plastic pollution is a significant contributor to the degradation of our oceans.
5. Taking steps to reduce plastic waste and adopt clean energy practices can help protect our oceans and ensure their long-term sustainability.