What Does the Future of Ocean Science Look Like?

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club hosts a milestone discussion titled 'The Past, Present, and Future of Ocean Sciences' with outgoing director, Bill Curry, and incoming director, Craig Carlson

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club recently hosted a milestone discussion titled “The Past, Present, and Future of Ocean Sciences,” featuring William Curry, outgoing president of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), and Craig Carlson, who has been appointed as the new president and director. The Governor, His Excellency Andrew Murdoch, and Honorary Chancellor of ASU BIOS, attended the event and was welcomed by Paul Adams, general manager of RBYC, Craig Carlson and Bill Curry. Other guests included Douglas De Couto, JP, MP, Shadow Minister of Finance, as well as members of the public.

The event celebrated a pivotal leadership transition at ASU BIOS, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University (ASU). Bringing together two respected figures in oceanography, the evening offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the evolution of marine science and Bermuda’s vital role in long-term ocean research. Moderated by Jasmine Patterson of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, the discussion covered topics including deep-sea research, microbial oceanography, and the biogeochemical changes shaping ocean health. 

Sustained research efforts at ASU BIOS’s open-ocean time-series stations, along with international programs such as BIOS-SCOPE, have helped uncover the biological mechanisms that drive ocean biogeochemistry and interact with Earth’s climate. These processes play a vital role in regulating the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles on a global scale. Both scientists emphasized the importance of Bermuda’s geographic location, where ASU BIOS has maintained some of the longest continuous oceanographic records. “Bermuda sits at a critical point in the planet’s hydrological cycle,” said Curry. “We’re observing increasing salinity, ocean warming, deoxygenation, and acidification - clear signals of global change.” Carlson added that, “These physical and chemical shifts are now being matched with biological observations, allowing us to track how marine ecosystems are responding to long-term ocean change.”

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the urgent need for investment in science and particularly ASU BIOS. Both speakers underscored that the future of ocean science depends not only on advanced technology and infrastructure, but on people––mentorship, training, of the next generation of ocean scientists. Carlson, who conducted part of his doctoral work at ASU BIOS, remarked, “Real innovation comes when we invest in the next generation of scientists in Bermuda and beyond.”

ASU BIOS’s success in cultivating new talent was highlighted, alongside the risks posed by funding disruptions, which can hinder engagement in marine research. Curry spoke about the unique opportunities the institute provides, including rapid access to deep-sea environments and long-term monitoring of critical datasets. Bermuda remains a global hub for marine science, with Atlantic Explorer, ASU BIOS’s research vessel, serving as both a scientific tool and a symbol of international collaboration.

This robust infrastructure, combined with a collaborative spirit, positions ASU BIOS to tackle some of the most complex scientific challenges of our time. From tracking carbon in the Sargasso Sea to decoding microbial genomes, the institute’s work remains both locally grounded and globally significant. Curry emphasized the need for continued investment, particularly in replacing the aging research vessel, which remains a top priority for the institute––a goal shared by Carlson.

The evening concluded with a joint commitment to the future of ASU BIOS, as both Curry and Carlson expressed strong confidence in the institute’s direction, noting that its integration with ASU has significantly expanded both its educational reach and global impact. Enhanced accreditation and new student programs are expected to follow. Now serving as chair of the ASU BIOS board, Curry will remain closely involved as the institute enters this next chapter. Carlson’s vision for the future is to formalize ASU BIOS as a center of ocean excellences bringing together experts from diverse fields to collaborate on innovative, real-time experiments that leverage the institute’s proximity to the open ocean. Under his leadership, we are poised to expand our impact and push the frontiers of ocean science and education.

Following the talk, both speakers had the opportunity to engage with the audience, answering questions and offering insights into the institute’s future direction and the challenges ahead. Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the importance of scientific continuity, research integrity, and the long-term collection of deep ocean data at ASU BIOS. Perhaps most importantly, the evening served as a meaningful introduction to Carlson, who brings not only scientific distinction but also a deep personal connection to the institute and to the island.