The past 15 years have witnessed significant transformations in the collection, analysis, and distribution of information across various sectors, unlocking immense new opportunities in the sciences. In ocean sciences, advancements in observational and computational technologies have rapidly expanded our understanding, from the smallest organisms to the vast ocean basins. Ocean biologists and biogeochemists have utilized molecular biology techniques to explore the diversity and functions of marine life, while satellites and autonomous sensor systems have provided unprecedented temporal and spatial insights into the dynamic global ocean. In the following sections, we delve into several transformative advances within ocean sciences.
Miniaturized satellite-tracking tags on various marine animals have revealed migration routes, such as the trans-Pacific journey of leatherback turtles and the white shark gatherings between Baja California and Hawaii. These migratory routes and gatherings provide critical insights into behavioral strategies and population interconnectivity, essential for fisheries management and conservation.
Over the past decade, genomics—the study of an organism’s DNA—has evolved into “omics,” a suite of technologies that investigate the relationships and actions of genes, proteins, and small metabolites. This evolution exemplifies how breakthroughs in another field—biomedical science—have been applied to address significant ocean science questions. Two key developments have enabled this progress: rapid high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometric analysis of macromolecules, coupled with bioinformatics for managing and analyzing the massive data volumes produced. As the speed, versatility, and affordability of these technologies have improved, “omics” has transitioned from national facilities to individual laboratories and research vessels, promoting discovery and experimentation. Metagenomics allows for the assessment and quantification of microbial diversity and functions, while metatranscriptomics and metabolomics offer insights into metabolic activities and could even lead to the discovery of new biogeochemical pathways.
Robotic sensing is also transforming physical measurements in the ocean. An international collaboration has established the Argo array, consisting of over 3,000 profiling floats, to monitor changes in temperature and salinity in the ocean’s upper 2,000 meters. These variables are crucial for understanding the global heat budget, the water cycle, and ocean dynamics. Argo data provide precise measurements of upper ocean heat content and have revealed consistent subsurface ocean warming, even as surface temperature increases have slowed over the past 15 years. Efforts are underway to expand the global float array to full ocean depth and incorporate chemical and biological sensors.
The extensive use of unmanned research vehicles is revolutionizing oceanographic infrastructure. Large, powerful, and fast autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are being increasingly deployed for research and exploration. These AUVs, with high stored energy and payload capacity, support extensive sensor suites, water sampling, under-ice operations, and high-resolution mapping of geological features and processes, complementing ship-based high-resolution mapping. Some AUVs and buoyancy-driven gliders, benefiting from easier handling and extended ranges, can operate independently of ship support, enabling missions under ice or in remote areas and facilitating sustained sampling, especially near coastlines. Additionally, small, low-power sensors are now routinely used to monitor physical, chemical, and biological indicators of dynamic variability and ecosystem changes in coastal and island regions.
Sustaining long-term observations at low cost by harnessing environmental energy is a notable trend in recent technological advancements. Especially at the ocean surface, where wind, solar radiation, and surface waves provide high-intensity energy sources, vehicles and moored sensor suites are increasingly being powered by the environment. Small surface vehicles and moored wire-walking profilers now utilize wave energy for propulsion. Solar power is becoming more practical with more affordable solar panels and improved cleaning methods. Modernized versions of sailboats and windmills are also being employed. Additionally, energy has been harvested from the ocean’s thermal stratification by vertically profiling vehicles, though the small temperature difference between the surface and deeper waters has limited their efficiency.
In conclusion, the past decade has witnessed remarkable strides in ocean data collection, driven by technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. These advancements promise to deepen our understanding of ocean processes and ecosystems, paving the way for effective conservation and sustainable management strategies.
Photo by Lachlan Ross
