Whales and other larger marine creatures return nutrients from the deep, where they feed, to the surface, where they excrete there waste when they return to the surface to breathe. Whale poo is rich in iron, nitrogen and other nutrients, which fertilise phytoplankton. This process is known as the "whale pump". GEOstory 1.3 Whales: Ecological Engineers examines the whale conveyor belt and the "whale pump". If you have chosen to explore this GEOstory with you class, you may find the videos embedded below useful. How whales change climate Explore how whales change climate, engineer the ecosystem, create conditions that spawn plankton, and keep our oceans healthy in this beautiful story by George Monbiot. How whales fight climate change This video explores how whales can have a positive impact on the fight against climate change by acting as a "blue carbon" solution.
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