Blue flashes appeared on the Bursa coast of the Marmara Sea as a result of the proliferation of living things (plankton) in the water that can only be seen with a microscope.
The luminous image that appeared in the water at night, especially on the Mudanya coast of the city, as a result of the concentration of plankton in the spring season, attracted the attention of the citizens. It was observed that bright blue light was emitted upon contact with water, especially in areas with brown accumulations on the seabed. Those who wanted to watch the rare marine biology event live came to the shores at night.
So What is Plankton?
Plankton, It is the general name given to living things that live in water and move depending on the current.. Although they are usually microscopic in size and single-celled, jellyfish or detached algae, like larger creatures, are classified as plankton by oceanographers.
What is Plankton used for?
Plankton are very small and usually microscopic creatures that live in sea and fresh waters. Their ability to move is limited and they are dragged by water currents. Plankton are divided into two main groups:
Phytoplanktons: They are phytoplankton and produce their own food by photosynthesis. They play a critical role in oxygen production, producing more than 50% of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere. They also form the basis of the marine and freshwater food chain.
Zooplanktons: They are zooplankton and feed on other plankton, small fish and larvae. They are an important food source for many marine creatures such as whales, krill and seabirds.
Benefits of Plankton
Food chain: Plankton forms the basis of the marine and freshwater food chain. Phytoplankton produce their own food by photosynthesis and are fed by zooplankton. Zooplankton is a food source for larger creatures such as fish, whales and seabirds.
Oxygen production: Phytoplankton produces more than 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere by photosynthesis. This is vital for all life on Earth.
Carbon cycle: Plankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transfer it to seawater. This prevents seawater from acidifying and helps reduce the effects of climate change.
Balance of the marine ecosystem: Planktons play an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton cleans seawater, and zooplankton keeps the populations of other creatures under control.
Plankton, although tiny, are extremely important to life on Earth. Without them, marine and freshwater ecosystems would collapse and atmospheric oxygen levels would drop.
Threats of Plankton
Plankton are under many threats, including pollution, climate change and overfishing. Pollution makes life difficult for plankton by releasing harmful chemicals and substances into seawater. Climate change changes the temperature and acidity of sea water, narrowing the living spaces of plankton. Overfishing threatens zooplankton populations.
To protect plankton, it is important to protect marine and fresh waters from pollution, combat climate change and prevent overfishing.