A research team based in Edinburgh, Scotland, has made a startling discovery regarding the loss of plankton life in the Atlantic Ocean, which could be a warning sign that the oceans are undergoing a catastrophic loss of biological life.
The researchers from the Global Oceanic Environmental Survey Foundation (GOES), who have spent 2 years looking at plankton life in ocean samples, say that 90% of plankton has been wiped out since the 1940s.
Plankton is formed by the tiny creatures that many other animals live on and so a loss of plankton will be devastating for the entire food chain and biodiversity of the oceans.
To carry out the research, the team spent 2 years collecting samples with its yacht, first sailing along the French and Portuguese coasts and then across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. It also used 13 helper vessels who collected 500 other samples from different points in the ocean.
The team goes on to add that such a loss of life in the oceans would likely begin the decline of life also living on land, including human beings. The team say in their report:
"An environmental catastrophe is unfolding. We believe humanity could adapt to global warming and extreme weather changes. It is our view that humanity will not survive the extinction of most marine plants and animals."
The team says that the dramatic loss of plankton life is likely due to chemical pollution from plastics, farm fertilisers and pharmaceuticals that have leaked into the oceans over the course of the last century. The team also say that climate change could be an important factor in the decline of plankton life.
Reacting to the report, Fiona Nicholls of Greenpeace UK said:
"Our oceans can be our allies in fighting climate change, but there is simply no time to waste."
Campaigners are now calling on action from governments to reverse the tide and clean the oceans before it is too late.
[Based on reporting by: Sunday Post]
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