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Changing Oceans and Seas

G lobal warming is affecting the composition of oceans and seas as well as the living organisms that thrive in them. Plankton (zooplankton and phytoplankton), seagrass, and kelp forests are greatly affected by the rise in water temperatures and carbon dioxide levels.

Kelp Forests Kelps are large seaweed. Kelp forests are areas that have a high density of this seaweed. These areas are some of the most popular habitats among marine organisms. They provide shelter as well as food to a wide variety of fish, lobsters, sea otters, seals, sea urchins, sea stars, jellyfish, and many others. Kelp needs cold water to grow, but with rising sea tem- peratures, their survival is becoming a struggle. Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are a major food source for many organisms. They are small, plantlike organ- isms that drift in water. Like land plants, phytoplankton make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. They grow faster in colder waters and slower in warmer ocean waters. If the growth of phytoplankton becomes slow due to the warming of the oceans, then there would be less food for animals such as fish, marine birds, and mammals.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Problems and Progress

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