The Magic of Whale Poop: A Fertilizer for the Ocean:

Large blue whales, known for their tremendous appetite for krill, are not just predators of the underwater world but can also serve as providers. Their by-product, or poop, to be more precise, now appears to contribute to the marine ecosystem by providing vital nutrients, according to University of Washington researchers.

From Predator to Provider:

Whales, once found in abundant quantities in oceanic environments until extensive hunting practices almost led to their extinction, were considered mainly predators. Contrary to the belief that krill populations would boom when whale numbers plunged owing to decreased predation, krill numbers also fell. This led researchers to theorize that whales were also crucial contributors to the marine ecosystem by fertilizing it with their waste.

Whale Poop Packed with Vital Elements:

A recent study led by University of Washington oceanographers found that whale poop contains significant amounts of iron, a vital element often lacking in ocean ecosystems, and non-toxic forms of copper, another vital nutrient that can be harmful in certain forms.

The Role of Whale Poop in the Southern Ocean:
Researchers suggest that the drop in baleen whale populations due to historical whaling activities could have had more significant effects on the biogeochemical health of the Southern Ocean, a significant region for global carbon cycling. To validate this hypothesis, the study analyzed stool samples from both humpback whales in the Southern Ocean and blue whales from the central Californian coast.

Irons and Copper in Whale Feces:

Iron, which the researchers found present in all samples, is a scarce nutrient that phytoplankton need to survive. The researchers also discovered copper in higher amounts than expected but were relieved to find organic molecules or ligands transforming it into a harmless form that benefits marine life.

A Larger Role of Animals in the Ecosystem:

While the research focuses on trace metals in the ocean environment, it suggests that animals play a much larger role than acknowledged in nutrient cycles in the ecosystem, largely attributed to the bacteria in their guts that seem to be key contributors.

This enlightening research paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of life in our oceans and further emphasizes the severe impacts of activities such as whaling on ocean health.

We hope you enjoyed this article. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you want to engage in the discussion.

If you want to read more like this, make sure to check out our Blog and follow us on Instagram. If you are interested in truly sustainable products, check out our Shop.

Check out the original source here.