Seaweeds play an important role in the global carbon cycle

Seaweeds, also called marine macroalgae, are organisms that make their food through photosynthesis and play a big part in the carbon cycle around the world. Through photosynthesis, in which they use the energy from the sun to turn CO2 and water into organic compounds, they can take in and store large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2).

For photosynthesis, seaweeds can use dissolved CO2 from the water. When they do this, they return oxygen (O2) into the water. This is important because it helps add oxygen to the oceans, which is necessary for marine organisms to stay alive. In addition to photosynthesis, seaweeds can store carbon in their tissues, which can last for a long time.

This is an Ecological Artwork by Naoko Otsuka from her series "Designing a New Generation of Marine Life.”