Whale waste helps produce half of the world's oxygen.

Whales act as a biological pump that circulates nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface. When whales dive to feed and return to the surface to breathe, they release fecal plumes rich in iron and nitrogen. These specific nutrients are often scarce in the upper layers of the ocean but are vital for the growth of phytoplankton.Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that perform photosynthesis, just like land plants. Research from the University of Vermont and Harvard University suggests that these organisms generate between 50% and 85% of the world's oxygen. They also capture approximately 37 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is roughly 40% of all CO2 produced.This process is known as the 'Whale Pump' effect. By sustaining phytoplankton populations, a single great whale can sequester an average of 33 tons of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. In contrast, a tree absorbs only about 48 pounds of CO2 per year. Protecting whale populations is therefore considered a critical natural solution for climate change mitigation.Historically, before industrial whaling decimated populations by an estimated 66% to 90%, whales contributed even more significantly to this cycle. Scientists believe that restoring whale populations to pre-whaling levels could significantly increase ocean productivity. This would enhance the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink while ensuring a steady supply of oxygen for the planet.