MARINE MAMMALS AND THEIR ROLE IN MAINTAINING OCEANIC ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians, play a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of oceanic ecosystems. Their diverse feeding habits and migratory behaviors contribute to nutrient cycling, energy transfer, and habitat structuring within marine environments. This abstract explores the ecological significance of marine mammals, emphasizing their roles as predators, prey, and indicators of environmental health. Additionally, the impact of human activities, such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing, on marine mammal populations and, consequently, on ocean ecosystems is examined. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies aimed at preserving both marine mammal species and the broader marine ecosystem.