Ecosystems

Any ecosystem needs energy to sustain it, and the organisms within it. This energy comes in massive quantities from the Sun, although only a tiny fraction of the solar energy hitting the Earth goes towards sustaining life. The flow of energy through an ecosystem is complex, and vital to sustaining all life within it.

The Ross Sea, Antarctica is the most pristine marine ecosystem on Earth. Scientists describe it as a 'living laboratory', a place that can teach us about the workings of all marine ecosystems. But the fishing industry recently found its way to the Ross Sea, targeting Antarctic toothfish and, unless fishing is stopped, the natural balance of the Ross Sea will be lost forever.