Issue 109 - June 2024

New Technologies Revise Scientists’ Understanding of The Oxygen Minimum Zone

A new technology detects trace amounts of oxygen in an environment where previously these life-supporting molecules were below the limit of detection.

Two scientists remove Niskin bottles from the CTD rosette prior to a re-deployment. — Josh O’Brien (Marine Technician) and Annabelle Adams-Beyea (Student, Montana State University) removed Niskin bottles from the CTD rosette before a re-deployment. Highly sensitive oxygen sensors were mounted on the CTD rosette which were used to make measurements of the extent of the oxygen minimum zone. “CTD” stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth, and refers to a package of electronic devices used to detect how the conductivity and temperature of water change relative to depth. © Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

ANTOFAGASTA, Chile – Using a new technology called a mini trace analyzer insitu logger, or mTail, an international team of scientists on a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition has found sporadic pockets of water with trace amounts of oxygen in an area of the Southeast Pacific where oxygen has historically been below the limit of detection. The discovery revises the understanding of microbes and nutrient cycling in a little-studied but important ecosystem, the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). Traditional oceanographic sampling equipment has been unable to detect oxygen in the core of the Southeast Pacific OMZ, leaving gaps in scientific knowledge on how this globally important ecosystem functions.

a scientist tests and assembles an exceptionally sensitive oxygen sensor; it is highly sensitive compared to traditional sensors and is likely the most sensitive oxygen sensor applied in an oxygen minimum zone to date. — In the Wet Lab, Morten Larsen (Research Technician, University of Southern Denmark) tests and assembles an exceptionally sensitive oxygen sensor; it is highly sensitive compared to traditional sensors and is likely the most sensitive oxygen sensor applied in an oxygen minimum zone to date. It was fitted to the CTD rosette to enable extremely sensitive oxygen measurements to be made throughout the oxygen minimum zone. © Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

The mTail device is a trace oxygen profiler that the scientists attached to a rosette, that carries Niskin bottles, and a mooring, standard pieces of oceanographic research equipment. Drs. Morten Larsen and Bo Thamdrup of the University of Southern Denmark developed the device alongside Dr. Laura Bristow of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Traditional sampling equipment for studying oxygen is relatively low-resolution compared to the mTail, resulting in inaccurate oxygen measurements in the OMZ.

OMZs extend from 100 to 1000 meters depth and are considered areas where oxygen concentration is beyond the detection limit for traditional equipment. The scientists’ application of multiple, custom-built technologies specifically designed for the OMZ offers a new paradigm for studying this globally important environment and new insights into how it functions.

“Life started on our planet without oxygen,” said Dr. Osvaldo Ulloa of the Instituto Millenio de Oceangrafíca, Chile, a principal investigator on this expedition, “While no large animals like fish and whales live here, the OMZ is thriving with microbes. This microbial ecosystem is likely the most analogous marine environment to the ancient ocean. By researching these invisible organisms and their ecosystem, we unlock key insights into what our planet likely looked like millions of years ago and how this environment may respond to a changing climate.”

Water samples are processed as they are sampled from Niskin bottles mounted on the CTD rosette. “CTD” stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth, and refers to a package of electronic devices used to detect how the conductivity and temperature of water changes relative to depth. © Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

The Southeast Pacific OMZ is a naturally occurring ecosystem off the west coast of South America. The Ocean’s physics and biology create a region with weak ocean circulation and high productivity, resulting in a large quantity of organic matter for microorganisms to consume. OMZs are likely growing due to climate change. Most large animals cannot live permanently in the OMZ due to insufficient oxygen, however, the zone is home to a vast thriving microbial ecosystem. When oxygen is unavailable, microbes use molecules like ammonia and nitrate for energy, releasing nitrous oxide as a byproduct — a greenhouse gas 245 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Working with water samples in Cold Lab on R/V Falkor (too) — Laura Bristow (Principal Investigator, University of Gothenburg, Sweden) works with water samples in the Cold Lab on R/V Falkor (too). © Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

“The impacts of finding trace oxygen have potentially far-reaching consequences for the OMZ microorganisms,” said Bristow. “When the oxygen appears, it supplies the microbial community with small but significant amounts of oxygen, which can impact the turnover of greenhouse gases in these systems, reshaping our conceptual understanding of how the oxygen minimum zone actually works.”

Dr. Maria Pachiadaki of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) led the science team on the 34-day expedition, which included scientists from Chile, Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. The research was conducted onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), where the team deployed several other novel technologies.

To study the microbial activity in the OMZ, the science team used another technology known as a Submersible Incubation Device (SID). The SID is an autonomous laboratory that measures microbial activity in the environment, allowing scientists to measure nutrient cycling under the conditions in which they naturally occur rather than attempting to simulate them back in the lab. The equipment is built with only glass and titanium, preventing oxygen contamination during experimentation. This particular SID was developed through an international collaboration of Drs Bristow, Thamdrup, and Larsen, as well as the lab of Dr. Pachiadaki of WHOI.

Other cutting-edge technologies tested during the expedition included a HyperPro multi-wavelength optical sensor and a Pump Profiling System developed by Dr. Ulloa’s lab at the Instituto Millenio de Oceanografíca. These new technologies allowed the team to collect multiple types of data about an ecosystem invisible to the human eye. Data from the expedition will be further analyzed in onshore labs to determine the implications of sensing oxygen in the OMZ core.

“Until now, scientists have been challenged to measure low levels of oxygen in the ocean due to sampling limitations. This expedition was an exciting test of novel technology that pushed a critical boundary of detection and highlights the need for continuing innovation in Ocean research,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “The suite of technologies developed by Dr. Pachiadaki and her colleagues open the doors to an increased understanding of microbial processes and phenomenon in these expanding Oxygen Minimum Zones.”

A diatom agglomeration documented and studied on Research Vessel Falkor (too) during the expedition. © Peter von Dassow (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile) via Schmidt Ocean Institute

NOTE: The scientists participating in the expedition were awarded ship time onboard R/V Falkor (too) to conduct research. Scientists participating in SOI expeditions are not employed by the Institute.

About the Organizations

Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is the world’s largest private non-profit organization the world’s largest private non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge of the ocean and its connection with the Earth system through a sustained commitment to excellence in science, engineering, and education, and to the application of this knowledge to problems facing society. Learn more at https://www.whoi.edu/

Institutio Milenio de Oceanografíca, based at the University of Concepcion, is a center of excellence dedicated to exploring and researching the open and deep ocean, particularly of the eastern South Pacific. The institute is committed to creating a thought-provoking environment to generate and spread scientific knowledge that will transform and provide new insights into our understanding of the ocean from a creative, daring, and collaborative standpoint. Learn more at https://www.imo-chile.com/en

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56,000 students and 6,600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. https://www.gu.se/en/marina-vetenskaper

The University of Southern Denmark was founded in 1966 and is currently Denmark’s third-largest university. SDU has 20,396 students, 3,983 employees. Through excellence in research, education, and collaboration, we strive to address the pressing challenges facing our environment and society. The Department of Biology is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of biology and its interconnectedness with our planet. Our department is committed to conducting impactful research and leveraging cutting-edge technology. https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/institutter_centre/i_biologi

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Issue 109 - June 2024

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The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

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Issue 109 - June 2024

Abundance Studios in association with DNA Films Announces Production of Guy Harvey Documentary

Orlando, FL – Abundance Studios, in association with DNA Films, is thrilled to announce the commencement of filming for a groundbreaking documentary featuring world-renowned marine wildlife artist and conservationist, Dr. Guy Harvey. This documentary promises to delve deep into Harvey’s life, his passion for ocean conservation, the development of his diverse business portfolio, and his remarkable contributions to marine science and art.

Dr. Guy Harvey, whose artistry has captivated audiences worldwide, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I am honoured and excited to share my journey and commitment to marine conservation through this documentary.”

Directed by 22-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker Nick Nanton, the documentary aims to provide a portrait of Harvey’s life, from his childhood fascination with the sea to the iconic Guy Harvey fishing t-shirt to his pioneering efforts in marine conservation. Nanton shared his vision for the film, saying, “Guy Harvey’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of conservation. He has combined his unique talent for art to bring a spotlight to the world of conservation. Through this documentary, we hope to inspire audiences to look at how they can unite their gifts with their passions to create positive change in the world as well as join us in preserving our oceans for future generations.”

The production of the documentary, which will begin filming soon in Grand Cayman, is made possible by the generous support of funding from Abundance Studios’ Executive Producers Coach Pete D’Arruda, Chuck McDowell, Didi Wong, Chris Wiser, Kevin Hodes, Dr. Wayne Pernell, and Pat Ziemer, and Producers Craig Lack, Julie Meates, Dr. Teri Rouse, Fred Rouse, Jennifer Perri, Richard Tyler, Michael Reza, Gary Marriage, George McCranie, Charlie Epstein, Ryan Chute, Paul Peters, Bryan Gallinger, Frank Astorino, and Kathleen Forrest. This cause-based studio is committed to raising awareness around critical issues the world is facing and the most inspiring people in the world. “The Guy Harvey documentary checks both of those boxes,” added Nanton.

DNA Films in association with Abundance Studios invites media representatives to join them in celebrating the launch of this landmark documentary as they embark on this journey to shed light on the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Guy Harvey.

About Guy Harvey:

With a focused mission to better understand and conserve the ocean environment, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and provides funding to affiliated researchers who share this objective. The GHF also develops and hosts cutting-edge educational programs that help educators to foster the next era of marine conservationists, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. For more information, visit www.GuyHarveyFoundation.org. Follow the GHF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOcean, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GuyHarveyOcean, or connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/GuyHarveyOcean.

About Abundance Studios®

Abundance Studios® is a cause-based studio committed to raising awareness around critical issues society is facing as well as sharing the stories of the most inspiring people in the world. With a commitment to excellence in storytelling and cinematic quality, the studio strives to inform, inspire, and drive positive change through its films.

About the Guy Harvey Foundation:

Since 1986, Guy Harvey has created marine-inspired apparel that blends performance, comfort and durability. Started by marine biologist and artist Dr. Guy Harvey, the brand is committed to making products that contribute to ocean conservation and marine education. Guy Harvey continuously implements innovative, sustainable manufacturing practices. The company uses REPREVE polyester and new THREADCYCLED™ technology (repurposing 100% of textile waste into upcycled yarn), powers its manufacturing facility with solar panels and purifies 100% of the water used in the dying and steaming process. Guy Harvey is focused on making responsible apparel that consumers can feel good about wearing. Additionally, a portion of all proceeds of officially licensed Guy Harvey products goes to the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), which conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. To learn more about Guy Harvey apparel, please visit www.guyharvey.com.

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Issue 109 - June 2024

Biden Administration Misses Opportunity to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

President Biden must do more to reduce the government’s purchasing of single-use plastics

The General Services Administration (GSA) announced its final rule on reducing single-use plastic packaging. The GSA is the federal agency that oversees government procurement. The U.S. government is the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, and decisions by the federal government can have a global impact on the plastic pollution crisis.

An estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the oceans every year, including single-use items such as plastic bottles, packaging, takeout food containers, and bags. With the GSA’s release of a narrow rule, Oceana calls on the Biden administration to move forward with additional policies to reduce single-use plastic packaging and products and incentivize refillable and reusable alternatives.

“This is a missed opportunity. This rule can’t be the end, this has to be the first step toward greater action to reduce the federal government’s purchasing of single-use plastics,” said Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director. “President Biden must do more to address the growing plastic pollution crisis that is already harming our oceans, climate, health, and communities. The U.S. government’s immense purchasing power can play an important role in reducing plastic pollution in the U.S. and around the world. Moving forward, the Biden administration must set strong policies to reduce plastic pollution at the source and support reuse and refill.”

The Biden administration committed in 2022 to phase out single-use plastic products on public lands managed by the Department of the Interior, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Acadia, and all other national parks. According to a national poll released by Oceana in February 2023, an overwhelming 82% of U.S. voters across party lines support reducing the federal government’s use of single-use plastic — nearly 85% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans.

In February 2024, Oceana submitted comments to the GSA as part of the public comment period on the proposed rule and delivered more than 6,900 petition signatures calling on the federal government to reduce the purchase of single-use plastics.

Background

Plastic has been found in every corner of the world and has turned up in drinking water, beer, salt, honey, and more. It’s also one of the greatest contributors to climate change. In fact, if plastic were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. With plastic production growing at a rapid rate, increased amounts of plastic can be expected to flood our blue planet with devastating consequences.

A 2020 Oceana report revealed evidence of nearly 1,800 animals from 40 different species swallowing or becoming entangled in plastic in U.S. waters between 2009 and early 2020. Of those animals, a staggering 88% were from species listed as endangered or threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act.

Less than 6% of plastic in the U.S. is recycled, yet the plastics industry continues to tout recycling as a panacea while pushing new plastic products onto the market. Companies need to dramatically reduce the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastic, provide plastic-free choices, and develop systems that refill and reuse packaging and foodware. Elected officials must enact policies to ensure they do so.

In February 2023, Oceana released the results of a nationwide poll that showed broad bipartisan concern about single-use plastics and support for reducing both the production and use of these products and increasing the use of reusable packaging and foodware. Included among the key findings:

83% of American voters are concerned about single-use plastic products
73% support a pause in building new plastic production facilities
82% support reducing the federal government’s use of single-use plastic

Polling was conducted by the nonpartisan polling company Ipsos, which surveyed 1,000 American adults from across the U.S. in December 2022.

To learn more about Oceana’s campaign to stop plastic pollution, please visit usa.oceana.org/plastics.

About Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.