Summarizing the Content: The Indian River Lagoon and the Threat of Dolphins
The Indian River Lagoon in Florida is famous for its rich marine life and biodiversity. In 2013, researchers observed that a significant number of bottlenose dolphins (Colia buccala) were underweight or in poor condition, remaining alive only for a short period and dying within a year. This discovery revealed a severe issue with the dolphins’ health and reproductive success.
Researchers’ Findings Reveal the Link Between Dolphins and Phytoplankton
The analysis of muscle tissue from dolphins found in the lagoon revealed a noticeable increase in the types of phytoplankton exclusively found there. Phytoplankton, which are the foundation of the water food web, had become more abundant. This growth in phytoplankton led to a shift in the animals that consumed macroalgae and seagrass, which were previously the main sources of nutrients for the dolphins.etween 2011 and 2013, this change in phytoplankton levels affected the diet and population of the dolphins, prompting further investigation.
Human Activities Addressing the Problem
One of the causes of the phytoplankton growth was human pollution, particularly the release of fertilizers and waste containing nitrogen and phosphorus into nearby waters. This emissionologists led to an increase in phytoplankton production, which had cascading effects on the local ecosystem.
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