The Future For Microplankton In The Baltic Sea Site

The transition to a microplankton community dominated by smaller, often lower-quality food sources (like cyanobacteria) is likely to create a .

Increased risk of toxic blooms and further oxygen depletion. Decrease

Reduction in high-quality food sources for the base of the food web. Increase The future for microplankton in the Baltic Sea

Key species like Calanus and certain copepods will lose suitable habitat. Ecological Consequences

: High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus continue to trigger massive algal blooms and expand "dead zones" (anoxic areas), which further promote cyanobacterial growth through the release of sediment phosphorus. Shifts in Community Composition Plankton Group Projected Future Trend Impact on Ecosystem Cyanobacteria Significant Increase The transition to a microplankton community dominated by

units. This favors freshwater-tolerant species while negatively impacting marine-originated diatoms, dinoflagellates, and large zooplankton.

: Energy transfer to higher trophic levels, such as planktivorous fish (e.g., herring and cod), will likely decrease due to the smaller size of available prey. Increase Key species like Calanus and certain copepods

Smaller rotifers and ciliates will thrive in warmer, less saline waters. Decrease