Our investigators believe that a shared spirit of exploration is at the core of the scientific endeavor. The flow cytometer measures bulk cells, their composition, numbers, and distribution. This technology has been enhanced with the FlowCam , a Bigelow-developed instrument used to electronically count, measure, and identify individual phytoplankton cells. This type of instruments may be used to identify specific organisms that are potentially toxic to marine life and humans. Together, phytoplankton and zooplankton form the basis for all life in the sea.
Light is an essential part of life in the ocean.
During photosynthesis, phytoplankton absorb sunlight, grow, and generate oxygen. The patterns of phytoplankton blooms show up as different intensities of reflected light in the ocean, and can be seen and studied with remote sensing imagery. Depending on the kinds and quantity of the plankton communities there, these images allow us to see the living process of the open ocean in different seasons and even at different times of day. Our scientists are using new information about lobster ecology to develop an index to predict commercial lobster harvests six years in advance. This will enable better management decisions and a more reliable supply of lobsters.