Oceans globally darken, threatening marine life

Over the past two decades, more than 20% of the world's ocean has darkened, reducing the depth of sunlight penetration and impacting marine life. This could have significant consequences. The darkening, observed using satellite data, affects the photic zone where most marine life lives. Changes in light penetration are linked to factors like increased rainfall, agricultural runoff, and harmful algal blooms. Researchers are concerned about potential ecosystem shifts and impacts on human activities like fishing. While the exact implications are still unclear, the changes are most pronounced near the poles and the Gulf Stream.