Benthic Biology and Ecology Group
James Barry, Principal Investigator
We look at the habitats and lives of deep-sea organisms. The cold, dark, deep sea is relatively unexplored, so much of our research aims to discover what is there and how it lives.
Our research also strongly centers on understanding the influence of human activities and climate change over the biology and ecology of benthic fauna. Society needs to know what to expect as this influence expands and intensifies across all ocean ecosystems.
We use advanced marine robots—both remotely operated and autonomous—to take measurements and samples for laboratory analysis. We are also developing technologies to experiment directly on the seafloor, allowing us to see what it might be like for the animals and habitats if human activities continue contributing to ocean acidification, warming, and deoxygenation.