ASU BIOS's deep ocean advantage

This World Ocean Day, discover how research conducted from Bermuda contributes to our understanding of the global ocean. 

In just under two hours, scientists sailing from Bermuda can be sampling the deep ocean, lowering instruments thousands of meters below the surface to collect water untouched by sunlight for centuries. From these expeditions come measurements that shape our understanding of ocean circulation, marine ecosystems, and the processes that regulate Earth's environment. These moments at sea are where modern ocean science happens. 

For the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), a unit of Arizona State University's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, this remarkable access to the open ocean has underpinned decades of globally significant research. Bermuda's location at the edge of the Sargasso Sea allows scientists to reach deep water within hours rather than days, making the island one of the world's most strategically important locations for ocean observation, exploration, and discovery. 

As we celebrate World Ocean Day, Bermuda's role in advancing ocean science is more important than ever. Long term observations conducted from Bermuda help scientists understand how the ocean is responding to environmental change, how marine ecosystems are evolving, and how the ocean continues to influence climate across the globe. 

"If you are not out in the ocean observing the information you're collecting, it's really hard to adapt and improve your methods," said Amy Maas, associate scientist at ASU BIOS and ASU School of Ocean Futures associate professor. Understanding the ocean inherently involves exploration. 

Eric Hochberg, ASU School of Ocean Futures associate professor, notes that research at sea is about more than collecting data. It is also "a testbed for as yet undetermined science." For scientists, he said, "to find new things, they must be present for the novel moments." 

Craig Carlson, president and CEO of ASU BIOS and ASU School of Ocean Futures professor, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong ocean research capability. Understanding large scale changes in the ocean requires scientists to observe the environment directly and consistently over time. These observations are essential for addressing some of the most pressing questions surrounding climate change, ocean health, and the future of marine ecosystems. 

The discoveries made by ASU BIOS contribute to a global understanding of our ocean and its role in sustaining life on Earth. As the ocean continues to change, investments in research, technology, and long-term observation remain essential to advancing knowledge and informing solutions for generations to come. 

To learn more about ocean science and the research taking place at ASU BIOS, visit bios.asu.edu. To support our work and help advance the next generation of ocean discovery, please visit asufoundation.org/bios