Tag: Ocean health

Recent studies have detected microplastic contamination in anchovies from oceans worldwide, with a Black Sea study finding up to 88% of individuals contained plastic items. This widespread issue is driven by their filter-feeding habits and highlights the global reach of plastic pollution in our marine food systems.

Despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor, seagrass meadows are responsible for over 10% of all carbon stored in ocean sediments annually. These vital marine flowering plants prompt a key question for coastal communities and environmentalists alike: Is sea grass healthy, both for human consumption and for the health of the larger marine ecosystem?

Over 10,000 species are classified as seaweed, a broad category that includes kelp. Understanding the biological and nutritional differences between these marine superfoods is key to determining which might be better for your specific dietary and health goals. While all edible seaweeds offer impressive health benefits, kelp stands out for its high iodine content and role in vital ocean ecosystems.

Globally, fish and seafood are a critical protein source for nearly 3 billion people. So what happens if humans stop eating fish? The consequences would be far-reaching, affecting marine ecosystems, global economies, and human health in unexpected and complex ways.

Kelp forests are one of the planet's most productive and dynamic ecosystems, generating an estimated $500 billion annually in ecosystem services. Understanding the importance of kelp reveals its crucial role in supporting marine life, mitigating climate change, and providing economic and health benefits to humanity.

Genetically, all salmon belong to the family Salmonidae, but the family tree branches into distinct genera, classifying Atlantic and Pacific salmon as different species. While most supermarket salmon is labeled simply as 'salmon,' the world of these anadromous fish is far more complex, with major differences in their life cycle, genetics, and habitats.

It is estimated that phytoplankton produce at least 50% of the Earth's oxygen, providing the oxygen for every second breath we take. This microscopic marine life is far more than just a source of oxygen; the question of "do humans need phytoplankton?" is a resounding yes, tied to our very existence through atmospheric stability, the food web, and overall planetary health.

Recent scientific studies confirm that fish are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and fear, challenging long-held assumptions. This recognition forms the ethical foundation for why vegans extend their philosophy to include fish, citing cruelty, environmental devastation, and serious health risks as reasons to exclude them from their diet.

Magnesium is the third most abundant element dissolved in seawater on a molar basis, after chloride and sodium. So, is the ocean high in magnesium? The answer is a resounding yes, and its presence is vital for everything from marine ecosystems to industrial extraction.

Kelp is often mistaken for a plant, but it is actually a type of algae, just like all seaweed. This common misconception leads to a lot of confusion, so it is important to clarify: **are seaweed and kelp different** and, if so, in what ways do they differ?