Why are scientists counting tiny marine creatures from space? It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a big step toward better understanding our oceans. Antarctic krill are small creatures that have a big effect on sea life. This article explores why that is, and how satellites monitor their curious activity.
What Are Antarctic Krill
Antarctic krill are tiny creatures that resemble shrimp. They typically measure between less than 1cm and 6cm long, depending on the species. They’re mainly found in the Southern Ocean. They’re just a few inches in size but are vital to the ocean’s food chain, a food source to species such as whales and penguins. Without krill, the entire ecosystem might not survive.
Why Are Krill So Important?
Despite their small size, krill play a central role in the ocean. They support marine life on a macro scale and nourish seabirds, whales, sharks, squid, fish and seals. Even though they are tiny, they play an important role in keeping the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem alive.
The Problem Facing Krill
Sadly, overfishing and climate change are negatively affecting krill. Warmer ocean temperatures could compromise their natural territory. Fishing is also impacting their numbers. Scientists worry that without change, krill numbers could plumit and disrupt the whole ecosystem.
Why Use Satellites?
Satellites are effectively tracking krill. By spotting minor changes in seawater color, satellites can estimate krill numbers in different areas of the Southern Ocean. This lets scientists keep track of krill without having to be there physically. They can assess large areas fast.
The Science Behind It
Satellite monitoring tracks how much light is absorbed by ocean water. Krill play a vital role in this by affecting water clearness and composition. Their presence can alter the amount of light that is absorbed, providing valuable insights about the environment. When krill swim, they alter the water color slightly. By measuring these color changes, scientists can determine the number of krill in a particular area.
The Field Trip to Antarctica
Dr. Cait McCarry, an ocean science researcher from the University of Strathclyde, recently went to Antarctica to gather data on krill. She calculated how much light the water absorbed with varied amounts of krill in it. This analysis helps improve the satellite procedures for counting krill from outer space.
How It Works
By studying how krill change water color, scientists can create maps indicating concentrations of krill. Satellites utilize these maps to follow krill in real time. This process makes it simpler to watch krill without needing to constantly do fieldwork.
Why It Matters
Analyzing krill from space supports conservation efforts. Gathering information about numbers and whereabouts of krill helps scientists focus on protecting them.
Krill’s Role in the Ocean’s Cycle
Not only are krill food for numerous marine species, but they also play an important part in the sea’s carbon cycle. They consume tiny plants in ocean ice that trap carbon. When whales eat krill and fertilize the ocean with their waste, they stimulate the growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process helps reduce greenhouse gases, helping cool the planet.
Climate Change’s Impact on Krill
Krill’s fragile ecosystem is at risk with increasing global temperatures. A rise in ocean temperatures could harm krill and affect the carbon cycle. Surveying krill is therefore critical to studying and combating the consequences of climate change.
The Need for Protection
Rod Downie from WWF highlights the importance of protecting krill. He wants more rules in place for krill fisheries and additional marine protected zones. Monitoring krill with satellites could help protect them and make sure they keep sustaining the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem.
Saving Antarctic Krill from Space
Protecting tiny creatures like Antarctic krill is more important than ever in a world potentially facing climate change. By observing and counting them from space, scientists can monitor the health of our seas and protect these underrated creatures for future generations.
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