Global observations reveal rapid reorganization of ocean nutrients

From coral reefs and kelp forests to the open ocean and deep-sea zones, nutrients that support phytoplankton growth and marine productivity form the foundation of oceanic ecosystems. When levels of key nutrients—such as nitrate and phosphate—get too high or too low, these ecosystems may face major disruption. However, at a global scale, long-term trends in marine nitrate and phosphate levels have been unclear.