'Whale Conveyor Belt' Moves Tons of Nutrients Across the Ocean–Through Urine

Whales play a significant role in nutrient distribution across oceans, particularly through their urine during migration. A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights that as whales migrate from cold feeding grounds to warmer breeding areas, they transport thousands of tons of nutrients, primarily nitrogen, across vast distances. This nutrient transfer is crucial for coastal ecosystems, which often suffer from low nutrient levels. The study estimates that whales redistribute approximately 4,000 tons of nitrogen and 45,000 tons of biomass annually to nutrient-poor coastal regions, benefiting marine life such as phytoplankton, sharks, and other fish. The phenomenon, referred to as the "great whale conveyor belt," illustrates how whales, due to their size and migratory patterns, impact ocean ecosystems on a planetary scale. The research also notes that the actual nutrient contribution may be higher than reported, as it does not account for blue whales and the historical impact of whaling on whale populations. This study emphasizes the importance of animal movements in nutrient cycling, likening it to composting in gardening, where nutrients are concentrated in specific areas to support growth.

- Whales transport significant nutrients across oceans through urine during migration.

- The study estimates whales redistribute 4,000 tons of nitrogen and 45,000 tons of biomass annually.

- This nutrient transfer supports coastal ecosystems and marine life.

- The phenomenon is termed the "great whale conveyor belt."

- The actual nutrient contribution may be underestimated due to unaccounted whale species and historical whaling impacts.