Whales are colossal creatures, feeding on about three tons of krill each day and lobtailing their flukes on the surface of all the world’s oceans. Also now humanity's solution to overcoming climate change ?
Actually, the secret all lies in the faeces of these ginormous mammals. Their iron rich faeces contribute to creating perfect conditions for growing phytoplankton.These microscopic creatures absorb about 37 billion metric tons of Carbon dioxide or 40% of all Carbon dioxide produced. Enriching the ocean floors with its faeces, the whale creates a flourishing marine food chain for even the commercial fishes which we rely on. In turn, the iron fertilization creates a healthy biosphere for ecotourism as well.
Their vertical movements as they glide through the waves are not only an amusing scene for tourists on yachts but also help in bringing nutrients like nitrogen and iron to the ocean surface. Further contributing to a phytoplankton bloom and creating a thriving ecosystem. This has come to be known as the “whale pump”.
Even from beyond the grave, whales help to cool the earth! When whales die, their carcasses sink to the bottom of the ocean floor. They contain a massive amount of carbon which remains there for centuries.
Studies have shown that before whaling about 1 million tonnes of carbon sank to the ocean floor in the form of whale carcass which is equivalent to the carbon footprint of a whopping 400,000 cars!
Thus the whales are ecosystem engineers, affecting global carbon storage, buffering us from the impacts of climate change and also supporting commercial fisheries.
Exploiting the earth’s resources for mankind's selfish needs is a common occurrence which has led to the practice of whaling. Whaling has reduced the populations of these species by 66-90%, as their bodies provide us with meat, oil and whalebone. With climate change accelerating, a new mindset is essential. By enhancing the protection of these species from human-made dangers like ship strikes, waterborne plastic waste and entanglement in fishnets, we would not only benefit the whales but also the earth and humanity.
This ‘earth-tech’ has been a process of nature for years perfecting itself with each evolution. The only part we need to play to continue this whale- based carbon sink technology, is to let the whales live.
Amazing vocabulary!