Genomic sensors
Sensors: Underwater Research of the Future (SURF Center)

A second generation ESP is deployed off the Santa Cruz pier. Photo © MBARI
The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) pumps water through a filter and retains all particles/organisms larger than 0.2 micrometers. Using molecular biology techniques on the filtered material, the ESP can:
- Identify the type and quantity of microorganisms and animals present in the water,
- Monitor the appearance of toxins and other biological compounds, and
- Investigate how marine microbes respond to seasonal variation and a changing climate
Data from these tests can be sent to shore in near real-time, allowing scientists and policy makers to make rapid decisions related to beach safety or shellfish harvesting. Additionally, the persistent presence of the ESP allows for the capture of episodic or very short-lived events.

Field experiments
An update on ESP field deployments.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs)
The ESP was originally developed for detection of harmful algae blooms (HABs); both the harmful algae and their toxins can be used as targets of the ESP.

Water quality
The ESP has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring human threats to water quality.

ESP Web Portal
The Environmental Sample Processor web portal provides near-real time access to the results of molecular assays conducted at sea as well as data on the environmental conditions during sampling.

Environmental Sample Processor (ESP)
The development of this advanced robotic “lab in a can” required close collaborations between MBARI engineers and scientists.
Team

Christopher A. Scholin
President and Chief Executive Officer

James Birch
Director of SURF Center

Nadia Allaf
Mechatronics Technician

Kevin Gomes
Information Engineering Group Lead

Scott Jensen
Electrical Engineer

Doug Pargett
Mechanical Engineer

Christina Preston
Research Specialist

Brent Roman
Software Engineer

Carlos A. Rueda
Software Engineer

John Ryan
Senior Research Specialist

Bill Ussler
Senior Research Specialist

Chloe Weinstock
Research Technician

Kevan Yamahara
ESP Research Specialist
Science
- Upper-ocean systems
- Midwater research
- Seafloor processes
- Areas of study
- Past research
In the news
The ESP in the news
The latest news from and about the SURF Center and the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP).
Related
Monitoring river health using a robotic water sampler
Sept 21, 2020 – Researchers from MBARI and the USGS recently published a paper showing how MBARI’s environmental sample processors can be used to monitor the health of rivers.