How Whale Poop Might Help Fight Climate Change

A recent study revealed that some of the world’s largest whales might actually be eating more than we originally thought and that this might actually be a good thing for the ecosystem.

This realization also means that some of the largest whales also defecate a great deal more, which can actually have a huge impact on the ocean’s ecosystem by helping to bloom carbon-absorbing phytoplankton. These phytoplankton help to create the base of ocean food webs. Whale poop also adds iron to the ecosystem, where there may be limited amounts of iron occurring naturally.

Nicholas Pyenson, co-author and curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian’s National Museum, said, “Our results suggest the contribution of whales to global productivity and carbon removal was probably on par with the forest ecosystems of entire continents, in terms of scale. Helping whales recover could restore lost ecosystem functioning and provide a natural climate solution.”

The study showed just how important whales are for the oceans, as they help the ecosystem thrive and produce more food. This creates a circular effect where the whales and the ocean help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

This is why whale poop may be able to help with climate change as it helps to restore the ocean’s ecosystem, providing it with nutrients that Climate change and Pollution are quickly destroying.

Between hunting, pollution, and climate change, the whale species as a whole, has become greatly depleted. This is just one more reason why we must fight to save these gentle giants.

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Related Content:

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• Center for Biological Diversity Launches Lawsuit to Protect Humpback Whales
• Plastic Pollution is Killing Plankton. How the Loss of This Species Threatens the Oceans

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