What can we learn from zooplankton?

MAINE MONITOR • February 6, 2026

Zooplankton, tiny drifting sea creatures, are found across the planet, where they play a key role in marine food webs and carbon sequestration. In the Gulf of Maine, studying zooplankton offers clues on the whereabouts of the endangered North Atlantic right whale, helping to improve conservation efforts and reduce collisions with boat traffic, and informs scientists’ understanding of climate change as the waters warm.