ALT Figure illustrating the role of zooplankton within the biological carbon pump and possible climate-driven impacts on key zooplankton processes. Zooplankton graze on phytoplankton, transferring carbon and nutrients. Excess nutrients in zooplankton are recycled via excretion and egestion either within the upper ocean or throughout the entire water column as some zooplankton undertake diel vertical migration. Unconsumed phytoplankton form aggregates, and together with zooplankton faecal pellets, these particles rapidly sink and are exported to deeper waters. However, bacteria remineralise much of these sinking particles along its descent. The smaller bottom figure showcases the potential direction of change on three zooplankton processes – respiration, grazing, and excretion and egestion, under ocean warming. Studies to date show that zooplankton respiration will increase under a future warmer ocean, however the magnitude of grazing and excretion and egestion are unclear.

ALT Graphical summary of the 11 motivations which led the authors to move from natural to social science. 1) Being able to be a jack of all trades 2) Suiting values and skill set 3) Employability and career goals 4) Environmental impacts 5) Interest in science-policy and resource management 6) Passion for specific topic 7) Didn't enjoy lab work 8) Wanting to engage with stakeholders and the public 9) Sense of duty to protect the ocean and the communities relying on it 10) Interest in undertaking research which has impact 11) Improving evidence-informed decision-making