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Phytoplankton specifically refers to the microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that drift in aquatic environments, including microalgae.
Microalgae are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, belonging to various groups such as green algae.
Some forms of phytoplankton are consumed by marine life and can be a source of nutrition for certain organisms, however not all phytoplankton are safe for human consumption.
The types of Phytoplankton specifically produced for human consumption are totally safe to eat because the producers need to respect specific rules and controls.
Would you eat fish or oyster if you didn't know where they are coming from? It is the same for Phytoplankton, full transparency and quality control are needed.
Phytoplankton combat climate change and contribute to improving air quality through their role in oxygen production and carbon sequestration:
Oxygen Production: Phytoplankton perform photosynthesis, a process where they use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygen production is a vital contribution to the Earth's atmosphere and the oxygen we breathe.
Global Oxygen Balance: Phytoplankton contribute significantly to the global oxygen balance by generating a substantial portion of the Earth's oxygen. As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, they play a key role in maintaining the oxygen levels necessary for the survival of marine life and the overall balance of atmospheric oxygen.
Carbon Sequestration: Certain phytoplankton species absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When these phytoplankton die, some of the organic carbon they produced sinks to the ocean floor, contributing to carbon sequestration and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Phytoplankton actively combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and contribute to improving air quality by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Their role in the global oxygen balance is crucial for sustaining life on Earth.
Phytoplankton provide numerous benefits to marine life and the overall health of oceans, including:
Primary Production: Phytoplankton are primary producers, forming the base of the marine food web. They produce organic matter through photosynthesis, supporting the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton contribute significantly to the production of oxygen, vital for the survival of marine organisms and the overall balance of Earth's atmosphere.
Nutrient Cycling: Phytoplankton play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in marine ecosystems. They absorb nutrients from the water, and when they die, these nutrients are released back into the environment, supporting a continuous nutrient cycle.
Food Source: Phytoplankton serve as a primary food source for zooplankton, small fish, and other marine organisms. This sustains larger predators, including commercially important fish species, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Carbon Sequestration: Some phytoplankton contribute to carbon sequestration by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporating it into their tissues. When they die, some of this organic carbon sinks to the ocean floor.
Climate Regulation: Phytoplankton influence climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to regulate greenhouse gas levels and mitigate the impact of climate change on marine ecosystem.
Phytoplankton has been proven beneficial in several ways :
HEALTH BENEFITS :
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Phytoplankton are nutrient-dense, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They provide a well-rounded nutritional profile that supports overall health and well-being.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Many phytoplankton species are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids play a crucial role in cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation control.
Alternative food protein: Phytoplankton is a source of plant-based protein. For individuals looking to reduce their reliance on animal products or seeking alternative protein sources, phytoplankton solutions is a valuable option.
Antioxidants: Phytoplankton contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Antioxidants contribute to overall health by supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: Phytoplankton contain fibers and compounds that promote digestive health. These contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall digestive function.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS :
Sustainability: Incorporating phytoplankton into your diet aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly food choices. Cultivating and harvesting phytoplankton typically have a lower environmental impact compared to raising livestock for animal protein.
Supporting Sustainable Practices: By choosing phytoplankton solutions from reputable and sustainably sourced producers, you contribute to support environmentally friendly and responsible practices in the food and supplement industry.
The recommended dosage of phytoplankton for feed animals can vary based on factors such as the type of animals being fed, their size, and the intended purpose of the feed.
Here are some general considerations:Aquaculture Feeds: In aquaculture, the inclusion of phytoplankton in feeds is common, especially for species like shrimp and fish.
The recommended dosage can range from a few percentage points to a significant portion of the overall feed formulation. The specific dosage will depend on the nutritional requirements of the target species.Livestock Feeds: For livestock such as poultry, pigs, or cattle, the inclusion of phytoplankton in feed may be less common compared to other protein sources.
The dosage, if used, would be determined based on the nutritional needs of the animals and the desired nutritional profile of the feed.Pet Foods: Some specialty pet foods, particularly those designed for exotic or ornamental species, may include phytoplankton as part of the formulation.
The recommended dosage will be determined based on the dietary requirements of the specific pets.Supplements: Phytoplankton can also be provided as dietary supplements for animals.
In such cases, dosage recommendations might be provided by the manufacturer or based on the nutritional needs of the target animals.
Incorporating phytoplankton into your diet can offer several health benefits compared to animal protein, including:
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Phytoplankton are nutrient-dense, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. They provide a well-rounded nutritional profile that supports overall health and well-being.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Many phytoplankton species are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids play a crucial role in cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation control.
Antioxidants: Phytoplankton contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Antioxidants contribute to overall health by supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Sustainability: Incorporating phytoplankton into your diet aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly food choices. Cultivating and harvesting phytoplankton typically have a lower environmental impact compared to raising livestock for animal protein.
Digestive Health: Phytoplankton may contain fibers and compounds that promote digestive health. These can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall digestive function.
Integrating NannOcea, our proprietary phytoplankton solution, into feed formulations is key for several reasons:
Nutritional Enrichment: NannOcea, derived from Nannochloropsis oceanica, is rich in essential nutrients like proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Including NannOcea in feed solutions can enhance the nutritional profile of the feed, contributing to the overall health and growth of the animals.
Improved Growth and Development: The diverse array of nutrients in NannOcea can support optimal growth and development in animals. This is especially crucial in aquaculture, where the rapid growth of fish and shellfish is essential for commercial success.
Stress Reduction: The nutrients present in NannOcea can contribute to stress reduction in animals. This is particularly important in aquaculture settings, where environmental stressors can impact the overall well-being of the cultured species.
Sustainable Feed Source: Cultivating NannOcea as a component of feed solutions can be more environmentally sustainable than traditional feed sources like fishmeal. NannOcea requires fewer resources and can be produced in controlled environments, reducing the ecological impact of feed production.
Disease Resistance: Certain compounds found in NannOcea may contribute to the immune system's function in animals. Integrating NannOcea into feed solutions could potentially enhance disease resistance and overall health in livestock and aquatic species.
Phytoplankton specifically refers to the microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that drift in aquatic environments, including microalgae.
Microalgae are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, belonging to various groups such as green algae.
We chose to produce in Greece, specifically within a Natura 2000 area, for several compelling reasons. The region offers the perfect weather conditions for our operations, with abundant sunlight, optimal humidity levels, and an ideal balance of rainfall.
These factors create an environment which helps our phytoplankton grow.
Moreover, our commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in our practices. We responsibly borrow water from the sea and return it even cleaner.
Our activities are designed to have zero negative impact on the environment, and we take pride in contributing positively to our surroundings. In fact, algae play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2), actively contributing to environmental conservation.
By harnessing the power of phytoplankton, we not only minimize our carbon footprint but also promote a net-positive impact on the environment. We are dedicated to fostering a harmonious relationship with nature, ensuring that our production practices align with the principles of ecological responsibility and sustainability.
To preserve and protect phytoplankton and their ecosystems for the benefit of future generations, individuals, communities, and nations can take the following actions:
Reduce Carbon Footprint: Minimize carbon emissions by using renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, and supporting sustainable transportation options to mitigate climate change effects on ocean acidity and temperature.
Conserve Water Resources: Practice water conservation to maintain healthy aquatic environments. Limit pollution by properly disposing of waste and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals that can end up in water bodies.
Sustainable Fishing Practices:Support and promote sustainable fishing practices to prevent over fishing, by catch, and disruption of marine food webs.
Marine Protected Areas: Advocate for and establish marine protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and allow ecosystems, including phytoplankton, to thrive without human interference.
Reduce Plastic Pollution: Minimize plastic use, properly dispose of plastic waste, and participate in beach clean-ups to prevent plastic pollution, which can harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.
Educational Initiatives: Increase awareness about the importance of phytoplankton and marine ecosystems through educational programs, campaigns, and community outreach to promote responsible environmental stewardship.
Support Scientific Research: Fund and participate in scientific research focused on understanding and monitoring phytoplankton populations, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
Phytoplankton have supported life for millions of years through their crucial role in theEarth's ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. Key contributions include:
Oxygen Production: Phytoplankton, through photosynthesis, generate a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen. They utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
Base of the Marine Food chain:Phytoplankton form the foundation of the marine food chain. They are primary producers, converting inorganic nutrients into organic matter. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton, and larger organisms, including fish, feed on zooplankton, creating a complex food web.
Carbon Sequestration: Phytoplankton play a vital role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporating it into their tissues. When they die, some of this organic carbon sinks to the ocean floor, contributing to carbon sequestration.
Climate Regulation: Phytoplankton influence climate by regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Their photosynthetic activity helps maintain a balance in greenhouse gas concentrations, influencing global climate patterns.
Nutrient Cycling: Phytoplankton recycle nutrients in marine ecosystems. They absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, incorporating them into their biomass. When phytoplankton die and decompose, these nutrients are released back into the water, supporting a continuous nutrient cycle.
Overall, the sustained presence and productivity of phytoplankton have been essential for maintaining the health and balance of Earth's ecosystems over millions of years.
If you are interested in joining Plankton First and believe you have the skills and enthusiasm to make a positive impact, we encourage you to contact our HR department for more information with the contact form. We look forward to welcoming talented individuals who share our commitment: create a better future together.