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A research cruise of the North Pacific
promises new insights into the health of marine ecosystems. Headed
by UMaine professor Mark Wells of the School of Marine Sciences, the
expedition began May 12 in Seattle bound for the subarctic waters
of the central North Pacific. Wells is among 22 scientists and
students from three institutions who are conducting experiments
aboard the Thomas G. Thompson, a 274-foot research vessel
operated by the University of Washington.
Wells and his team are investigating the health of
phytoplankton in key areas of the Pacific to determine how the water's
mineral content may be contributing to phytoplankton declines. Previous
research by Wells and his team suggests that phytoplankton populations are
not taking in adequate amounts of iron and copper. His current research
seeks to establish a connection between the overall health of the
phytoplankton and the mineral levels in the surrounding seawater.
Phytoplankton are a critical component
of marine ecosystems, and
reductions in their populations could have serious implications for other
marine organisms.
The 28-day cruise will move northward along the coast of British Columbia
before turning into the central North Pacific in June. Joining Wells is
UMaine's Morgan Brunbauer, a sophomore in marine science with a minor in
chemistry who will provide a diary of the project during his stay. UMaine
Department of University Relations multimedia producer Ron Lisnet is also
on board, documenting the research on videotape for educational and
promotional purposes. |
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Mark Wells
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