The new field of ecogenomic sensors, takes advantage of technology developed in the Human Genome Project, such as DNA and protein microarrays and large-scale DNA sequencing to discover who is in the ocean (such as what microbes live there), what are they doing, and how do they respond to events in the oceanic environment - such as earthquakes, volcanoes, toxic algae blooms (phytoplankton), as well as changes in the carbon, pH, and temperature.

Sensor Robots

Ecogenomic measurements are not currently possible in the oceans over long periods of time and space. Cabled ocean observatories will provide high power and high bandwidth on the seafloor to power and robotically control distributed sensor networks that can adaptively survey and sample dynamically changing volumes of the ocean. These sensor robots, outfitted with physical, chemical, and ecogenomic sensors, will be capable of moving under remote control, in a 3D geometric formation through precisely controlled volumes of seawater to record spatial and temporal variations in aquatic environmental parameters, and monitor and respond to changes near volcanic or seismic activity. Development of new ecogenomic sensors that will enable this next generation type of science, are currently under development.

Potential for Discovery

The long-term benefits of ecogenomic sensors include the discovery of new microbes, an understanding of the significance and role of these microbes in the oceans, and also the potential for discovery of new enzymes that can be used to make new drugs for medicine. In the next 5 to 10 years, with the development of ocean observatories and new ecogenomic sensors we will know who is there and what they do for a better understanding of the immense diversity of the oceans and ocean processes and how they are interrelated to processes on land.

Resources

A Background Paper on Ecogenomics - Scott C Doney, Mark R Abbott, John J Cullen, David M Karl, and Lewis Rothstein, “From genes to ecosystems: the ocean’s new frontier,” Front. Ecol. Environ., 2(9) 457:466, 2004

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program sponsored a Workshop on Ecogenomics in Washington, DC, from March 7-8, 2005. Read the Meeting Announcement and the Workshop Report