New scientific research from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research suggests that minke whales, fin whales and humpback whales contribute to increased primary production in the ocean – up to 10% in the summer and around 4% annually, according to a review. mbl.isabout the matter.
The study shows that the whales deliver nutrients through urine and sludge, which helps phytoplankton grow and thus ensures a better base food for the food chain. Phytoplankton are primary producers in the ocean food web and therefore important for the health of the ocean.
This highlights the importance of whales in the food web – and at the same time the importance of the research conducted on whales and the education provided by the Whale Museum in Húsavík.
The study shows that the whales deliver nutrients through urine and sludge, which helps phytoplankton grow and thus ensures a better base food for the food chain. Phytoplankton are primary producers in the ocean food web and therefore important for the health of the ocean.
This highlights the importance of whales in the food web – and at the same time the importance of the research conducted on whales and the education provided by the Whale Museum in Húsavík.
