MBARI scientists and engineers describe new high-tech research tools

One of David Packard’s goals when founding MBARI was to create an environment where scientists and engineers could work together to develop new cutting-edge tools for marine research. Six different examples of such collaborative and creative work are being presented this week at the 2005 Joint Assembly meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in New Orleans, Louisiana. These talks by MBARI scientists and engineers are part of a high-profile special session titled, “How emerging technologies can advance the frontiers in the geosciences.”

The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) is a unique instrument that can detect specific types of microscopic plants and animals in seawater by analyzing their DNA. In this photograph, MBARI researchers Joe Jones (left) and Roman Marin III (right) prepare the ESP for deployment in Monterey Bay. Photo: Kim Fulton-Bennett (c) 2004 MBARI

AGU talks by MBARI researchers are listed below, along with links to abstracts. All authors are affiliated with MBARI unless otherwise noted.

• Introduction to special session on emerging technologies
  McNutt, M K

• Autonomous, near real-time detection of marine microorganisms using the environmental sample processor (ESP)
  Preston, C; Marin, R; Jones, J; Jensen, S; Feldman, J; Massion, E; Roman, B; Cline, D; Scholin, C
  Background info on the environmental sample processor

• Detection and classification of Rathbunaster californicus in underwater video
  Edgington, D R; Kerkez, I; Oliver, D; Cline, D E; Kuhnz, L; Walther, D (California Institute of Technology); Ranzato, M (New York University); Perona, P (California Institute of Technology)
  Background info on the automated detection of animals in video

• Development of an advanced respirometer for experimental studies of benthic rate processes
  Barry, J P; Buck, K R; Okuda, C; Risi, M; Parker, M; Levesque, C

• MBARI mapping AUV: A high-resolution deep ocean seafloor mapping capability
  Caress, D W; Kirkwood, W J; Thomas, H; McEwen, R; Henthorn, R; McGill, P; Thompson, D; Sibenac, M; Jensen, S; Shane, F; Hamilton; A
  Background info on sonar mapping AUV

• Enabling the assessment of a high CO2/low pH ocean: Is a free ocean CO2 enrichment (FOCE) experiment possible?
  Brewer, P G; Kirkwood, W; Barry, J; Dunk, R M

• Continuous in-situ measurements of nutrient fluxes within a physically complex coastal environment
  Needoba, J; Nidzieko, N (Stanford University); Wankel, S (Stanford University); Monismith, S G (Stanford University); Paytan, A (Stanford University); Johnson, K S
  Background info on LOBO experiment