Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton is a microscopic plant. It is the beginning of the Sound's food chain. It provides food for some animals, like zooplankton, and also gives nutrients to other plants. Despite its importance to the Sound, phytoplankton can also be harmful. An overabundance of phytoplankton can cause hypoxia or red tide. Hypoxia is a lack of oxygen in the water which can suffocate plants and animals. Red tide is a toxic substance that dead phytoplankton can cause.