Whale Fall: an oasis of unique marine life on the seabed

Whales are the largest animals on our blue planet, and some species—such as the blue whale—even surpass the size of the biggest dinosaurs. After decades of roaming the vast oceans, whales eventually die and sink to the seafloor or abyssal plain. Their bodies then provide a vital source of food for many organisms, including diverse microbes. Heterotrophic microbes break down the whale’s organic matter into compounds such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, which in turn fuel the growth of chemoautotrophic microbes. This illustrates the natural balance of life in the ocean. However, pollution and commercial hunting continue to kill thousands of whales each year, threatening their survival and pushing some species toward extinction. Protecting the environment and enforcing effective whale conservation measures are therefore essential steps toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.