Midwater research
Biodiversity and Biooptics of Zooplankton
Project lead/manager: Steve HaddockThis research includes comprehensive studies of the phylogeny and systematics of ctenophores and radiolarians to enable future studies of these phyla. Steve Haddock also plans to work with the Video Lab staff and software engineers to enhance his use of the Video Annotation and Reference System (VARS).
Midwater Ecology
Project lead: Bruce RobisonProject manager: Kim Reisenbichler
Project website
Robison's midwater research group is studying oxygen consumption rates of midwater animals to determine the physiological links between animal distribution and abundance and the expansion of the oxygen minimum zone. Studies will include husbandry of deep-sea squids to determine age and growth rates and for potential Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibits.
Midwater Time Series
Project lead: Bruce RobisonProject manager: Rob Sherlock
Since 1993, MBARI has been surveying the midwater and providing quantitative analyses of the animals encountered in midwater surveys. The time-series data are used to monitor biodiversity and gauge the abundance and responses of the animals in the midwater. The expanding oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) is creating an enlarged habitat for species that are physiologically adapted to tolerate low levels of oxygen, while forcing other species to move shallower or deeper.
Moored Midwater Camera System
Project leads: Dale Graves, Henk-Jan Hoving, Bruce RobisonProject manager: Kim Reisenbichler
This project is investigating available video technology for use in a non-intrusive, automated camera system being designed and developed for the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for midwater research. In 2013, AUV images will be compared and evaluated against video from remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ventana.