Is this the most valuable thing in the ocean? - David Biello

In 1891, newspapers reported an extraordinary tale about James Bartley, a whaler who was allegedly swallowed whole by a whale. It was said that Bartley spent as long as 36 hours in the belly of the beast before his crew managed to catch the whale and rescue him. While this story is captivating, it's not the only one of its kind. Various novels, myths, and religious texts depict characters being swallowed at sea, with some finding a home in the creatures’ cavernous mouths. However, the reality of being swallowed by a whale is far more perilous. If someone were to be consumed, chances are they would be crushed. Yet, should they survive, they might have a slim opportunity to escape during the whale's bathroom break.

Whales frequently surface to breathe and release massive plumes of waste. This may sound unappealing, but whale poop plays a crucial role in the ocean and is arguably one of the most important substances for marine life. To truly appreciate its significance, we must first explore the role of phytoplankton in our oceans.

The Role of Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that thrive on sunlight, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients like phosphates, nitrogen, and iron. These resources are abundant in the ocean's surface waters, allowing phytoplankton to flourish. In fact, a single drop of seawater can contain thousands of these organisms, and phytoplankton blooms can be so vast that they can be observed from space.

As the foundation of the marine food chain, phytoplankton provide sustenance for various microscopic grazers, including copepods and krill, which are then consumed by larger marine creatures. However, when phytoplankton die, their bodies can sink far below the surface, carrying with them the crucial carbon and iron needed by their living counterparts.

The Whales' Vital Contribution

Whales play an essential role in maintaining this vital ecological balance. By hunting at great depths, they consume enormous quantities of these phytoplankton predators. For instance, a blue whale can eat up to 16 tons of krill every day, which leads to frequent surfacing and the release of iron-rich feces. This unique cycle acts as a living pump, transporting iron from deeper waters back to the surface.

However, when whale populations are diminished—due in large part to centuries of commercial whaling—the natural system begins to falter. This disruption can have dire consequences, potentially leading to surface waters that are devoid of life. Since phytoplankton produce approximately half of Earth's oxygen and help sequester substantial amounts of carbon, their decline poses significant risks for life on land.

The Impact of Phytoplankton

Estimates suggest that phytoplankton capture four times the amount of carbon contained in the Amazon rainforest. Moreover, every 1% increase in phytoplankton population is equivalent to the carbon capture of 2 billion fully grown trees. Researchers continue to explore how to enhance phytoplankton populations and maximize carbon burial, with some experimenting by sprinkling iron in the ocean. However, such methods are less effective than promoting the natural ecological balance fostered by whale populations.

Supporting Whale Populations

With whale populations still in recovery from industrial whaling, there are numerous ways to help these magnificent creatures rebound. Implementing whaling moratoriums, promoting safer fishing and shipping practices, and tackling pollution are all essential steps in restoring this nutrient cycle.

Even the natural deaths of protected whales contribute to fighting climate change. A solitary whale can sequester up to 33 tons of carbon when it sinks to the ocean floor, and its remains can evolve into a complex ecosystem that continues supporting life above and below the waves.

Conclusion

While the tale of James Bartley captures our imagination, the truth is that whale poop may be a key player in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. By prioritizing the health of whale populations and supporting this natural nutrient cycle, we not only protect marine biodiversity but also contribute to the fight against climate change—one whale at a time.