Language
Country/Area
No result found
A Fantastic Journey through the Food Chain: How Does the Humboldt Current Promote the Prosperity of Marine Life?
On the west coast of South America, the Humboldt Cold Current is like a giant river of life, continuously bringing cold water to the surface of the ocean, providing sufficient nutrients for the prosperity of marine life. This cold current with its rich ecosystem is considered one of the most productive Eastern Boundary Currents in the world, accounting for approximately 18 to 20% of the fish catch in the world's oceans.
The Humboldt Cold Current not only affects biodiversity, but also profoundly changes the surrounding climate and environment. This cold current brings dry weather to the coastal areas of South America and forms the famous Atacama Desert.
The formation and environmental impact of the Humboldt Cold Current
The Humboldt Cold Current, also known as the Peruvian Cold Current, extends from southern Chile to northern Peru, covering a wide area. This flowing cold water meets tropical waters, creating complex ecological interactions. Sea surface temperatures can be as low as 16°C off the coast of Peru, making it an ideal environment for attracting fish.
This phenomenon is mainly driven by trade winds and is affected by changes in wind belts near the equator. The Humboldt Current's interaction with the dynamics of the South Pacific high pressure area and the monsoon winds creates constant changes in its flow, and these changes are critical to the productivity of marine ecosystems.
Such an ecosystem promotes the growth of phytoplankton, which in turn attracts a large number of fish, mammals and seabirds, forming an endless food chain.
Ecological productivity and biodiversity
The biological productivity of the Humboldt Cold Current is very high and is a representative of Class I ecosystems, with a productivity of up to 300 grams of carbon. These rich nutrient substances provide inexhaustible energy for the prosperity of phytoplankton, attracting various marine organisms to come to feed.
According to research, the basin's biodiversity includes a variety of plankton, molluscs, sea urchins, crustaceans and fish, and even marine mammals. In this food web, phytoplankton are the basis of all life.
The prosperity of fisheries
The fishery supported by the Humboldt Cold Current is one of the most successful commercial fisheries in the world, with major catches including mackerel, sardines and anchovies. These fishing not only provide impetus for economic development along the coast, but are also an important support for the lives of local residents.
Anchoveta, in particular, is widely fished along the coast from Peru to Chile. Behind the success of the fishery is sensitive adaptation to changes in the ecosystem. The species' boom has a direct impact on other marine life in the area, including seabirds and large fish.
However, this rich fishing ground is not without challenges. Environmental changes and the impact of El Niño and La Niña phenomena have severely challenged the fishing and reproduction of fish resources.
The impact of El Niño
El Niño has a huge impact on the productivity of the Humboldt Cold Current. During this climate phenomenon, the upper-level regions of the Humboldt Current change, resulting in reduced productivity, loss of nitrogen, and reduced export of carbon, which fundamentally changes the ecological structure of the region.
The formerly abundant Ancovita fishery collapsed after the El Niño event in 1972. Although the number of sardines subsequently increased, it also profoundly affected the local fishery ecology and economic situation.
Conclusion
The astonishing biological productivity and fishery boom of the Humboldt Cold Current undoubtedly demonstrate the astonishing complexity and interactivity of the natural world. As one of the most influential ocean currents in the world, the Humboldt Current carries not only the prosperity of marine life, but also humankind's understanding and reliance on natural harmony. In the face of the challenges of environmental change, how to balance ecological balance and economic development has become an issue that we cannot ignore. Do you think that in future sustainable development, can we continue to rely on this balanced ecosystem?
