Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 09:11
Forums
Bering Ecosystem Change

How will examining plankton blooming help the world?

Like whats the point......

What will you do with the information once you have it and how will it be useful?

 

 

 

 

-Victoria Green- 

Tue, 03/18/2008 - 08:57

Craig Kasemodel

Great question! Typically, in the past, the algae blooms occur when the sea ice retreats in the spring. The increase of light causes the pulse of algae which in turn supports the entire food web in the Bering Sea. If anything upsets this delicate balance, the pulse of food and nutrients into the system, then the entire ecosystem will change, in some scenarios quite dramatically. A reduction in the total amount of sea ice, a change in the timing of melting, warming of the waters could cause a change in the algae or cause a change of competition in the food web, which could severely impact the current composition of the animal community. By knowing the plant and animal communities before any change occurs and documenting the change, humans will be able to better manage the ecosystem in the future. For the Bering Sea, this is very important, since it is an important resource for the fishing industry in Alaska. Dutch Harbor produces more seafood than any other port in the US.