Climate change is triggering shifts in the ocean's food chain, leading to unexpected consequences. As warmer waters disrupt phytoplankton growth, the foundation of the food web, it cascades through the ecosystem. Zooplankton, which depend on phytoplankton, decline, leading to reduced availability of food for fish and marine mammals. This disruption has far-reaching effects, as fish stocks dwindle and seabirds struggle to find sustenance. Furthermore, the loss of phytoplankton, known as the "lungs of the ocean," impacts carbon sequestration, potentially exacerbating climate change. This complex interplay highlights the delicate balance of the ocean's food chain and its vulnerability to climate change.
