Der rasche Meereisverlust und die Versauerung der Ozeane durch den Klimawandel verändern das Wachstum und den Nährwert mikroskopisch kleiner Algen. Diese Algen sind eine wichtige Nahrungsquelle für Fische, Krill und andere kleine Organismen, die auch größere Tiere wie Wale, Robben und Pinguine ernähren.

Rapid sea ice loss and ocean acidification from climate change are altering the growth and nutritional value of microscopic algae. These algae are an essential food source for fish, krill, and other small organisms that sustain larger animals such as whales, seals and penguins.

Sea ice is a vital habitat for microalgae, but the thickness and coverage of sea ice has reduced significantly. Antarctic sea ice has experienced record lows for the past four years, and researchers predict that by 2050, the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free during summer.

Polar marine ecologist Dr Rebecca Duncan has spent the last eight years undertaking field work in polar regions, examining the changing composition of sea ice microalgae. She received her PhD from the University Technology Sydney (UTS) with UNIS Svalbard in 2024.

[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65273-0](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65273-0)