Focus on Arts and Ecology

Jon,

Plankton may be little, but they play a BIG role in the ocean. Today, we’re making sure these small-but-mighty critters get the attention they deserve.

Plankton are marine and freshwater organisms that drift along in water currents. These tiny plants and animals are some of the most important organisms in the sea.

Here are seven fun facts about plankton—hopefully you learn something exciting (and make use of them at your next local trivia night!)

The name plankton comes from the Greek word planktos, which means “drifter” or “wanderer.”

 There are two broad types of plankton: phytoplankton, which are tiny plants, and zooplankton, which are tiny animals. Phytoplankton are so small you need a microscope to see them.

 Harmful algal blooms (HABS) occur when phytoplankton grows out of control. These can occur naturally but are increasingly triggered by warmer waters from climate change, nutrient pollution and more.

Can’t get enough plankton facts? Learn more about the big role they play in the ocean. >>

 Some fish spend part of their lives as zooplankton. Animals that spend their larval or baby stages as plankton are called meroplankton.

 More than half the oxygen we breathe comes from marine plants like phytoplankton and seaweed.

 Blue whales are the largest animals ever to have lived, but they feed on small plankton. Blue whales and other baleen whales eat tons of krill, a shrimp-like crustacean, every day.

 Phytoplankton numbers have decreased an estimated 40% since 1950. Changes in ocean temperatures and ocean acidification threaten plankton, with major implications for marine food webs.

There is much more to know and love about plankton. See more on our blog. >>

By standing up for the smallest organisms in the ocean, we’re standing up for all animals in the ocean. Learn more about Ocean Conservancy’s work to combat the effects of climate change and ocean acidification.

And next time you take a deep breath, thank the plankton who helped make that possible!

For our ocean,

Ryan Ono
Manager, Climate Policy Program
Ocean Conservancy

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