Plankton in warm polar seas

In spring, plankton flourish in the ocean surrounding the North Pole. They are the source of tremendous amounts of food for fish and other animals. Plankton are small plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) that live in the ocean. Just think, one litre of sea water contains 10 million to 20 million plankton!

Without food

Many things are interdependent in nature, as plants and animals have adapted to each other over thousands of years. But what will happen when temperatures rise? Some animals are used to finding plenty of food for their newborn babies at a certain time in the spring. If the plankton are already finished blooming by then, those animals may suddenly find themselves without food.

Predicting trends

As temperatures rise and the ice cover diminishes around the North Pole, plankton and other plants and animals are facing a natural environment that is different from what they are used to having. Scientists at the University Centre in Svalbard are investigating the question in the hope of possibly being able to help predict future trends.

Published in 'Nysgjerrigper' no. 2/08

Translated by Linda Sivesind