marine nutrients

Marine nutrients are essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sometimes iron that support the growth of phytoplankton, tiny aquatic plants at the base of the ocean food web. These nutrients promote phytoplankton growth, which in turn sustains marine life such as fish and whales. An imbalance—either too much or too little—can disrupt ecosystem health, leading to issues like algal blooms or dead zones where oxygen drops and marine life struggles to survive. Overall, nutrients are vital for maintaining balanced, productive, and healthy ocean environments.