A newly identified marine microbe could enhance natural carbon capture in the oceans.

Researchers in Sydney, Australia, have uncovered a new marine microbe that holds promise as a natural ally in combating climate change. This tiny, single-cell organism has the ability to photosynthesise, hunt, and consume prey while naturally absorbing carbon, offering insights into the ocean’s role as a carbon sink.

Martina Doblin, the senior author of the study, explained to Newsweek that the discovery could shift the scientific understanding of carbon movement within marine ecosystems. “This could be a game-changer in the way we think about carbon and how it moves through the marine environment,” Doblin said.

The microbe operates by producing a mucus-like substance known as exopolymer mucosphere, which is rich in carbon and traps other microbes. Once it consumes its prey, the substance is ejected and sinks into deeper ocean layers, contributing to the natural carbon cycling process. This process could have enormous climate implications, as it allows carbon to move from the ocean’s surface into its deeper layers. Researchers estimate that this microbe could sequester up to 0.15 gigatons of carbon annually.

While the discovery is promising, the microbe alone will not solve climate change. Experts point out that the world would need to remove about 10 gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year to avoid catastrophic warming. This newly discovered microbe could contribute only a small fraction of that—around 1 percent. Nevertheless, scientists are optimistic about discovering similar species that may also assist with natural carbon sequestration.

Doblin added, “The implication is that the ocean might be capturing more carbon naturally than we currently understand, and there may be previously overlooked areas that can contribute to this process.” This discovery sheds light on the ocean’s potential to act as a more significant carbon sink than previously thought, offering hope for innovative climate solutions.