Why are whales so important to marine ecosystems?

Why are whales so important to marine ecosystems?

Whales are fascinating animals: their colossal size, majestic presence and impressive behavior have always attracted the attention of people around the world. In recent decades, researchers have discovered more and more about whales and their importance to our world's maritime ecosystems. It is now recognized that whales play an indispensable role in the healthy functioning of the oceans and therefore life on Earth as a whole. This article aims to shed light on why whales are so important to marine ecosystems.

Whales as part of the food cycle

Primary producer of phytoplankton

The importance of whales to marine ecosystems begins with their role in the production of phytoplankton. Whales feed largely on krill and small fish, which in turn consume phytoplankton. By consuming and excreting these animals, whales support the production of phytoplankton. They help move nutrients from the depths to the surface, where phytoplankton can use them.

Phytoplankton plays a central role in the oceans. It produces about half of the oxygen on Earth and at the same time binds CO2. This makes phytoplankton an essential factor in the global climate and contributes to reducing global warming. Without whales, the balance of nutrients in the water would be disrupted and the phytoplankton population could decline.

Whales as prey

Whales are also an important part of the food cycle because they are prey for other marine predators. For example, orcas hunt gray whales and their calves during their migrations. Sharks and various types of seals also feed on whales, especially sick or injured animals and whale carcasses. The death of a whale can be described as a 'whale fall' and provides food for countless sea creatures, from sharks to small seabed creatures.

Whales as indicators of ocean health

The health and behavior of whale populations give scientists valuable clues about the health of the oceans. Changes in whale behavior, such as changes in migratory patterns, reproductive rates and mortality rates, may indicate environmental problems such as pollution, climate change, food shortages or human disturbances such as noise. A decline in whale populations is often a warning sign of problems that could also affect other marine animals and ecosystems.

Whales and carbon sequestration

Another important function of whales is their ability to store carbon. During their long lives, whales absorb and store large amounts of carbon in their body mass. When they die and sink to the ocean floor, the carbon stored in their bodies is removed from the atmosphere in the long term. This is called a “biological pump.” Scientists estimate that the global whale population sequesters about 30,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year. In this way, whales help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Whales and biodiversity

Whales also contribute to marine biodiversity. Their presence in certain areas may benefit other species. For example, whale excrement attracts many different species, including fish, krill and seabirds, which use these nutrients as food. In addition, because of their size and ability to travel long distances, whales attract other species by opening up new habitats and thus contributing to the spread of species.

In addition, the bodies of dead whales serve as entire ecosystems that provide habitat and food sources for specific deep-sea creatures, such as various species of worms, snails and mussels.

conclusion

The role of whales in marine ecosystems is diverse and vitally important. They are key players in the food cycle, indicators of ocean health, carbon sinks and biodiversity promoters. Protecting whale populations is therefore not only a question of species protection, but also a question of protecting entire maritime ecosystems and ultimately our planet. It is important that we protect this fascinating giant of the sea and its ecosystem from threats such as climate change, pollution and overfishing. This is the only way they can continue to do their important work for the health of our oceans.

Sources:

• International Whaling Commission
• WWF: Why are whales important?
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration