Ocean Innovation Lab recently completed an extensive study on plankton diversity across two of Bangladesh’s critical ecosystems: the Sundarbans and Saint Martin’s Island. Our research covered 34 stations in the Sundarbans and 54 stations in Saint Martin’s Island, with the goal of identifying significant plankton species and analyzing the important water parameters that influence their distribution.
Plankton, both zooplankton and phytoplankton, form the foundation of marine food webs, acting as primary producers and key links to higher trophic levels. By examining their diversity, we gained valuable insights into the overall health and productivity of these ecosystems. Throughout our study, we identified several significant plankton species unique to each ecosystem, providing crucial information about their ecological roles and contributions to biodiversity. In addition to analyzing plankton diversity, we collected data on critical water parameters, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. These environmental factors helped us understand how physical and chemical conditions shaped plankton communities and influenced the broader ecosystem dynamics.
The findings from this study have not only expanded our scientific knowledge but also offered valuable insights for the future conservation and management of these ecosystems. As we move forward, these results will contribute to informed strategies for sustaining marine biodiversity in Bangladesh. Stay connected for further updates as we continue to work towards the preservation of these vital marine environments!