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Life Without Plankton

Plankton are the base of the marine food web. Alan Davies asks what happens to fish, familiar seaside sights and the people who rely on the ocean for food.

The ocean’s tiniest drifters disappear. In this episode of Life Without, Alan Davies removes plankton from the sea. They may be hard to see, but what happens when the foundation of ocean life is suddenly gone?

Alan episode explores the food webs that begin with plankton, from fish to seabirds and whales. He also looks at the familiar things they shape, including the smell of the seaside and glowing blue tides, and at their broader role in climate and ocean science.

Featuring Dr Clare Ostle, marine biogeochemist at the Marine Biological Association, and environmental journalist Anna Turns.

An ITN production for BBC Radio 4

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

Fri 30 Oct 202614:45

Broadcasts

  • Fri 30 Oct 202614:45
  • Sat 31 Oct 202605:45

Podcast