It is essential to study phytoplankton because it plays a crucial role in ocean biology and the Earth’s climate. Any change in its productivity can have a major impact on biodiversity, fisheries, and the human food supply, as well as on the rate of global warming. Moreover, plankton serves as a true indicator of the ocean’s health, as its behavior varies according to water and air quality.
Plankton is also vital for ecology: it provides a habitat for many marine species and produces about 50% of the oxygen we breathe. As the foundation of all marine food chains, it plays an essential role in the ocean’s life cycle and in maintaining the balance of our planet.