Study reveals the potential impact of ocean darkening on the marine ecosystem

Satellite data from NASA’s Ocean Color Network The data portal showed that 21% of the planet’s oceans darkened between 2003 and 2022.

According to Davies, the majority of marine life lives in the ocean’s photic zones, where sufficient light penetrates to stimulate photobiological processes.

Oceans around the world have become darker over the past two decades, leaving researchers fearful about marine creatures, a new study has claimed. (AP Photo/Thanasis Stavrakis, File)

The photic zone, 200 meters deep, is where global nutrient and carbon budgets support planetary fish markets.

This is the area where the light reaches Marine life Which lives near the surface of the ocean.

Ocean residents depend on both moonlight And sunlight for hunting, mating, reproduction and other important features.

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A new study says ocean darkening could affect marine life around the world. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

The upper level of the ocean is where microscopic organisms and various types of plankton live.

As the oceans begin to darken, this will cause light-dependent organisms to begin moving closer to the surface, potentially creating a cramped living space.

Using satellite data and an algorithm-derived measure of light attenuation in seawater, Davis was able to measure how deep each photozone around the world is.

Among the dark oceans, 9% of their photic zones were 50 m shallower, and 3% of their luminous ocean zones were 100 m shallower.

According to the study, dark oceans can push marine life closer to the surface, resulting in a cramped living space. (AP Photo/Ellen Thompson, File)

The reason behind the darkening of the oceans offshore is less clear.

Global warming It is believed that changes in ocean currents play a role in this phenomenon, according to the study.

The study found that despite the general darkness, about 10% of the oceans, or 37 million square kilometres, have become lighter over the past 20 years.

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I also found that most… Coastal areas Saw an increase in light. However, the study found that this does not translate into a net reduction in the depth of the photic zone near shorelines.

Davies predicts that the implications of ocean darkening could be severe for marine food webs, global fisheries, and carbon and nutrient budgets.

Nick Butler is a Fox News digital correspondent. Do you have any tips? Contact Nick.Butler@Fox.com.

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