Oceanography | Marine Science and Ocean Stories

A Plankton Ambassador: How Plankton Shaped Life on Earth

September 22, 2026·37 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Plankton made life on Earth possible. So why do we know so little about them? In this episode of Oceanography, Clark speaks with Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Adviser on the Oceans to the United Nations Global Compact and author of The Power of Plankton. Together, they dive into the extraordinary world of organisms drifting through our oceans, from their role in producing oxygen and shaping evolution to their influence on the carbon cycle, marine food webs, and ocean health.They also explore how new tools like environmental DNA, satellites, and AI are transforming plankton research, why plankton remain largely absent from environmental policy, and how understanding this mostly invisible ecosystem could reveal new ways to protect our oceans and our planet.Support our science communication directly by donating to Pine Forest Media or directly on PayPalEpisode Guests: Vincent DoumeizelFind the book, The Power of PlanktonRead the Plankton ManifestoConnect with Vincent Doumeizel on LinkedIn or follow on social media @theseaweedrevolutionListen to Pine Forest Media’s NEWEST PODCAST GREEN FREQUENCYEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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