Far below the rolling swells lies an “invisible kingdom” that drives life on our blue planet: plankton. Though invisible to most, these tiny organisms build the foundation of marine food webs, help regulate Earth’s climate, and warn us of ecosystem changes.
On a recent expedition led by the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, researchers deployed the Imaging Plankton Probe (IPP) to explore this hidden realm. By combining crystal-clear in-situ imaging with AI-powered recognition, the IPP identifies species, measures size, and counts populations in real time—capabilities that were once out of reach.
The data pouring in offers fresh perspectives on global challenges. Plankton blooms fuel major fisheries and support coastal economies, while sudden shifts can signal warming seas or nutrient imbalances. In an unexpected twist, monitoring plankton near coastal power plants also helps predict biofouling risks, enhancing nuclear safety protocols.
For young global citizens, tech entrepreneurs, and changemakers, the IPP story shows how cutting-edge innovation can deepen our understanding of ocean health. As the Chinese mainland’s ocean mission sails on, this invisible kingdom beneath the waves promises to reveal even more secrets—insights that could shape sustainable policies and climate strategies worldwide.
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Invisible kingdom beneath the waves revealed by Chinese ocean mission
cgtn.com
