Planktonia: The Nightly Migration of the Ocean's Smallest Creatures

Plankton, followed by predatory fish, squid, octopus, and other species, migrate vertically twice every night, starting deep in the ocean at sunset. This migration is essential for the ocean's ecosystem, as plankton sequesters carbon and attracts larger adult creatures. Protecting plankton and ecosystems that embrace ocean processes is crucial for the health of the ocean.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

When people hear the word "migration," they often envision animals traveling from one feeding area to another and back each year. However, the most remarkable migration on Earth takes place twice every night, and it involves a vertical movement performed by a diverse range of marine species. This migration starts deep within the ocean waters at sunset, with plankton leading the way, followed by predatory fish, squid, octopus, and other organisms that have developed a taste for plankton.

As the plankton move, they nibble on various food sources in the water, including plant plankton and other delectable morsels. Eventually, some of the plankton also consume each other. The feeding process concludes just before dawn, as the plankton retreat to the depths of the ocean to hide during the day until the next evening, when they migrate back up the water column.

In his book "Planktonia," Erich Hoyt takes readers on a captivating journey into the mesmerizing nighttime ocean. Countless microscopic plankton, known as larval creatures, ascend to the upper waters to feed, returning to the depths before sunrise. These tiny planktonic organisms are delicate and beautiful, with some resembling terrifying creatures, while others bear little resemblance to their adult forms. This great vertical migration attracts larger adult creatures as well, including the solitary 6-inch (15 cm) bigfin reef squid and the fierce and hungry 6½ foot (2 m) female blanket octopus, which can weigh up to 40,000 times more than her male mate.

Everyone gathers here for the midnight feast, with ravenous hunger driving them. The book is organized into chapters that explore various aspects of this migration, such as Hawaii: From Bluewater to Blackwater, Awesome Anilao, The Gulf Stream Procession of Life, Blackwater White Sea, Precious Life of Plankton, Blackwater Unlimited, and From Blackwater Passion to Protection.

Plankton plays a vital role in the ocean's ecosystem, serving as a food source for countless marine species. It also plays a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Understanding the migration patterns and behaviors of plankton is essential for preserving the health and balance of the ocean.

This remarkable migration serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and complexity of life in the ocean, and it highlights the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems for future generations. By exploring the world of plankton through the lens of "Planktonia," readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that exists beneath the surface of our oceans.

Dimension: 254 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228103837