Marine microorganisms, including bacteria, phytoplankton, archaea, and viruses, are vital for the ecological balance of oceans. These microscopic organisms regulate key biological and geochemical processes that sustain marine life and contribute to global climate stability.
These microorganisms play critical roles in organic matter decomposition, nutrient recycling, and primary production, generating over 50% of Earth's oxygen. Through the microbial loop, they transform dissolved organic matter into microbial biomass, consumed by zooplankton and other trophic levels, optimizing energy use and maintaining the food web.
Beyond their trophic role, microorganisms are essential in biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen. They participate in nitrogen fixation, organic carbon remineralization, and production of compounds regulating seawater acidity and chemical composition. These cycles sustain oceanic productivity and directly impact global climate regulation by controlling greenhouse gases and absorbing atmospheric carbon.
Marine forests, such as seagrass meadows, macroalgae forests, and coral reefs, are key ecosystems supporting microbial processes. They act as sources of dissolved organic matter, contribute to nutrient retention and recycling, and offer complex habitats that increase microbial diversity and functionality. They also fix large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, reinforcing connections between physical, chemical, and biological processes in the ocean.
Restoring marine forests is a strategic action for planetary health. This involves reactivating essential microbial processes, strengthening marine resilience to climate change, and ensuring fundamental ecosystem services for future generations.