Recent studies in 2025 highlight the significant impact of climate change on plankton communities and marine nutrient cycles. These shifts are critical as plankton form the base of marine food webs and play a vital role in regulating Earth's climate through carbon storage.
Changes in Nutrient Cycles
Research indicates that human-driven climate change is altering marine nutrient cycles. A study by University of California, Irvine, analyzing 50 years of ocean data, revealed a decline in phosphorus in the Southern Hemisphere oceans, which can affect plankton nutrition and subsequently impact zooplankton and fish growth rates.
Plankton Adaptation and Distribution
A global study published in May 2025 in Science Advances, reanalyzed lipid data to show how plankton adapt to changing ocean conditions. Shifts in lipid distribution were observed in warmer oceans, reflecting adaptations to low nutrient availability. Additionally, a MarineFuture 2025 conference in September focuses on sustainable solutions for marine resources, including the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Darkening Oceans and Shifting Species
Research indicates that over nine percent of the ocean has experienced a reduction in lit zones by more than 50 meters. These changes can reduce the amount of ocean available for animals that rely on sunlight and moonlight. Furthermore, marine heatwaves are causing shifts in plankton species, potentially amplifying changes within the plankton community.