A Threat to Marine Ecosystems
global warming.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers has shown that the floating ice in the Sea of Okhotsk is not only shrinking in coverage area but also losing thickness at an alarming rate. In the past 30 years, the average thickness of drift ice has decreased by 30%, from 73 cm in 1990 to only 51 cm in 2020.
This trend is expected to continue, with scientists predicting that there may be years in the future when no ice floes will reach Hokkaido's coast. This would have a devastating impact on the region's marine ecosystem.
Drift ice plays a crucial role in supporting the marine ecosystem of the Sea of Okhotsk. It contains abundant iron, which is essential for the growth of phytoplankton. When the ice melts in the spring, this iron is released into the ocean, triggering a bloom of phytoplankton. This, in turn, supports the entire marine food chain, including fish.
The lack of drift ice would lead to a decrease in phytoplankton, which would have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. This could lead to a decline in fish populations and a decrease in the overall productivity of the Sea of Okhotsk.
The impact of global warming on drift ice is a stark reminder of the need to take action to address climate change. If we do not act now, we risk losing not only this natural wonder but also the vital marine ecosystem that it supports.