Buckle up, folks, because the United Nations has just kicked off the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, and it’s about to shake up the maritime industry in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. This global initiative is zeroing in on the rapid changes happening in our planet’s icy regions—glaciers, snow cover, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost—and their knock-on effects on the oceans and beyond. And guess who’s right in the thick of it? The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), ready to dive deep and shake things up.
MBARI’s President and CEO, Antje Boetius, a heavyweight in polar research, isn’t mincing words. “Ice-covered ocean and land are integral to the health of our planet,” she declares. “The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences provides an opportunity to collaborate to better understand and protect these critically important polar environments.” MBARI, with its cutting-edge tech and research chops, is poised to play a starring role in this international effort to take the pulse of our polar regions and uncover what’s lurking in uncharted waters.
Let’s talk about the Arctic. Thanks to climate change, scientists have finally gotten a peek at the seafloor at the edge of the Canadian Arctic. MBARI’s autonomous underwater vehicles have been busy mapping the terrain, and the data is revealing some dramatic changes. Ancient submerged permafrost is melting, and the seafloor is feeling the heat. This isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about guiding policymakers as they navigate the murky waters of underwater infrastructure in the Arctic. MBARI researchers are heading back to the Canadian Beaufort Sea this summer to keep the ball rolling.
But MBARI isn’t stopping at the Arctic Circle. They’re also diving into the Southern Ocean, one of the planet’s most challenging regions to study. Through the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) project, MBARI is using robotic floats with advanced sensors to log data about ocean conditions. More than 100 of these floats are currently in action, and the data is publicly available, giving researchers worldwide a front-row seat to this remote part of the world.
And get this—MBARI is also leading the charge on submarine groundwater discharge in Antarctica. This process, where water flows from the seafloor to the ocean, is a big deal for ocean biogeochemistry, marine ecology, and seafloor geology. Preliminary findings suggest that submarine groundwater discharge is happening at a higher rate in Antarctica than in temperate environments, which could have significant implications for climate models.
But MBARI isn’t just about the big picture. They’re also using environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the biodiversity of aquatic environments. Their Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) and Filtering Instrument for DNA Observations (FIDO) are collecting and studying eDNA in remote environments, giving us a whole new way to understand what’s living in our oceans.
So, what does all this mean for the maritime industry? For starters, it’s a wake-up call. The changes happening in our polar regions aren’t just about penguins and polar bears; they’re about the health of our oceans and the future of our industry. MBARI’s work is shining a spotlight on these changes and giving us the data we need to make informed decisions.
But it’s not just about reacting to change; it’s about driving it. MBARI’s innovative technologies and collaborative approach are setting a new standard for ocean research. They’re showing us that by working together and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we can uncover the secrets of our oceans and protect them for future generations.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences is here, and it’s time for the maritime industry to step up and make a difference. Who’s with me?