C-BLUES Acknowledged in BioScience Article on the Value of Plankton

We’re pleased to share that the C-BLUES project is acknowledged in the recent BioScience article, “The Immeasurable Value of Plankton to Humanity” (June 2025). The article highlights the essential roles plankton play in global systems, including climate regulation, ecological balance, and human well-being.

Structured around six key value domains—biogeochemistry, ecology, climate, science, economy, and human well-being—the piece also emphasizes the need for stronger integration of plankton into policy and research agendas. These themes align with the goals of C-BLUES, particularly our focus on supporting science-based approaches to protecting aquatic ecosystems.

We appreciate being included among the initiatives contributing to this important conversation.

📖 Read the full journal article here.

Abstract:

Plankton, a diverse group of aquatic organisms, make Earth livable, regulate aquatic life, and provide benefits to human societies such as access to clean water, food security, and well-being. They also support economies and inspire biotechnological innovations. However, their important role is often not being recognized. We review the value of plankton and present it across six themes of human interest and, we provide examples of plankton indicators used in policy frameworks and recommendations for enhancing understanding of their value through long-term sustainable research and monitoring. Guided by the 2022 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services assessment, we introduce the six themes under the Life Framework of Values to offer a comprehensive summary of the significance of plankton to humanity. In this review we raise awareness of the value of plankton to humanity and serve as an informative guide for aquatic professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in plankton.