Why do plankton migrate?

Plankton migrate primarily to optimize their access to light and nutrients, which are essential for their growth and survival. Many plankton species perform diel vertical migration, moving to deeper waters during the day to avoid predators and rising to the surface at night to take advantage of sunlight for photosynthesis. This behavior helps them balance their energy needs while minimizing the risk of predation. Additionally, migration patterns can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and currents.