Algae are simple plants that serve as the evolutionary ancestors to modern land plants. They are ecologically vital, functioning as primary producers in the ocean. Without algae, the marine food web—from krill to fish to whales—would collapse. Furthermore, algae act as a massive carbon sink and oxygen generator. For every molecule of carbon dioxide they capture into their biomass, they release one molecule of oxygen back into the atmosphere. Roughly 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from algae. Additionally, every kilogram of algal biomass represents approximately 1.8 kilograms of captured carbon dioxide, making them a crucial tool in mitigating climate change.
Australian scientific organizations extensively monitor marine ecosystems and the role of blue carbon in climate mitigation.