The Arctic Ecosystem
The Arctic Ecosystem
Despite its place as home to many coastal communities , it ' s incredible and unique ecosystems , and the increasing threat it faces from climate change , the Arctic Ocean remains one of the least protected places on Earth .
The Arctic Marine Ecosystem has a unique , complex food web that is fashioned by its unique and highly specialised organisms . These include zooplankton , phytoplankton , jellyfish , detritus , ice algae , as well as larger mammals such as seals and whales . Shared by 8 countries , the Arctic holds the world ’ s largest reserves of fresh water . For those who live outside the Arctic , the region is a vital regulator of climate and fresh water inflows for the entire planet , and a driver of global ocean currents . The Arctic is important to all of us . However , the Arctic , including all of its flora and fauna , is under severe threat from acidification , climate change , toxic pollution , oil / gas exploration and production and overfishing .
“ The ocean absorbs carbon emissions from the atmosphere — but as a result , ocean waters are becoming increasingly acidic . Because colder water is more susceptible to ocean acidification , the Arctic is among the first regions to experience its effects . Arctic waters are already being affected by this change . Recent research suggests that by 2030 , the surface