They become of particular importance in this region of the world because of the scarceness of terrestrial plants on the Antarctic continent and general surrounding area, causing the ecosystem to be heavily dependent on marine productivity to keep it going. The result is that the Southern Ocean is able to boast a staggering variety of mammals, seabirds and invertebrates, which I have been only too happy to experience myself!
We are currently in transit to South Georgia, a beautiful example of how much Southern Ocean ecology is dependent on marine productivity. There is currently an algal bloom in the waters around this isolated island, supporting much of the marine life in the area. Almost all the animals found on South Georgia feed offshore, and therefore owe their existence to these regular blooms. Everyone on board is quite excited to have the opportunity to explore this remote sliver of land, and all the wildlife it has to offer. Phytoplankton might certainly be microscopic, but I enjoy reminding myself that I don’ t necessarily need a microscope to admire how very important they are.
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