Cetinić contributes to NYTimes article on PACE and plankton

Ivona Cetinić (616/MSU) is quoted in a recent New York Times article, "Rising Temperatures Are Scrambling the Base of the Ocean Food Web," which also features Jeremy Werdell (616/NASA GSFC); both are involved with the PACE satellite mission. 

The article examines the importance of plankton and the effect of climate on plankton: "Phytoplankton form the foundation of the marine food chain, and climate change is shaking that foundation." PACE, which launched in February 2024, is providing scientists with data from the the satellite's instruments. Additionally, oceanographers are conducting fieldwork by collecting and studying different types of plankton, to gain a full picture from space and from the oceans of how changes are affecting certain marine life (e.g., the right whale, as mentioned in the article). Scientists also use PACE data to examine harmful algae blooms (HABs), which are caused by toxic phytoplankton that sickens marine life and humans. Overall, the article conveys the importance of knowing the effect of plankton and warming waters on marine life, on the health of oceans, and on the economy.