A new study on Southern Ocean Sperm Whales has found that these sea mammals are doing us a huge favor by reducing carbon in the atmosphere.While these sperm whales travel the southern seas, they deficate. Their waste, which is very high in iron, greatly increases the growth of phytoplankton in the water. Phytoplankton are very good at capturing carbon from the atmosphere and trapping it.
The 12,000 sperm whales in the Southern Ocean are responsible for taking 200,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. That is the equivalent to the carbon output of 40,000 cars.
We need to save these whales to save the planet. But unfortunately, it is a catch 22, where climate change is already altering their eco-system, putting their habitat in peril.
I hate to see these very "useful" whales perish because of the changing eco system in the ocean. We need them and more of them.
I agree!