BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY 



A mechanical device known as a continuous plankton recorder is 

 used to supplement the data acquired by nets. The device is essen- 

 tially a torpedo-shaped tube about 3 feet long, and it is designed to be 

 towed behind a ship at full speed. The planktonic organisms enter 

 the machine through a front opening and come to rest on filtering 

 material which is slowly wound across the tube. The material, with 

 the plankton it has accumulated, is continuously rolled onto a storage 

 spool. Since the winding mechanism is actuated by an external pro- 

 peller, the speed at which the filtering material passes across the 

 opening is proportional to the speed of the towing vessel and, conse- 

 quently, the number of organisms collected can be related to the 

 distance traveled. 



A specially equipped research vessel is required for most types 

 of plankton investigations. Unfortunately, these specialized ships 

 are too few in number to provide the numerous observations necessary 

 to chart the changing patterns of plankton distribution throughout 

 the world. To implement such a program the use of merchant ships 

 and warships is being contemplated for the systematic collection of 

 data along their normal routes. Automated instrument packages 

 operated from these "ships of opportunity" could yield valuable 

 biological data without affecting their routine or schedule. 



Marine scientists are aware, however, that the classical methods 

 of data collection are not wholly sufficient for the needs of modern 



Diver itsing underutaUr camera. 



oceanography. For one thing, the depth at which existing sampling 

 gear can be effectively used is limited. For another, the remote 

 operation of such equipment, however precise, precludes any real 

 study of the overall environment, so important in ecological work. 

 To fully understand the nature of the deep, biologists must use all 

 of their senses, particularly that of sight. 



In intertidal waters and on coral reefs, the work of both scuba 

 and "hard hat" divers are augmenting the data collected by instru- 

 ments. The use of remotely controlled, underwater cameras has 

 permitted biologists to observe bottom-dwelling organisms under 

 natural conditions. An even superior technique lies in the use of 

 underwater television cameras. In the abyssal depths of the sea, 

 observations from manned deep-diving vehicles such as bathyspheres 

 and bathyscaphs have contributed materially to our knowledge of 

 that region. But, because man is essentially a frail instrument, the 

 use of highly sophisticated robot vehicles will doubtlessly play an 

 important role in the future of deep-sea research. 



EPILOGUE 



The foregoing is a brief attempt to present some of the more 

 challenging projects in biological oceanography. If after reaching 

 this point the reader has concluded that the unsolved problems are 

 numerous, the objectives of the article will have been well served. 

 The very fact, however, that few of us entertain serious doubt that 

 these problems can be solved is a tribute to the present level of our 

 technology. But this is not to predict any forseeable end to such 

 problems, for historically, each success becomes a stepping stone 

 to greater achievement. The results of applied research today will be 

 merely the basic knowledge of tomorrow, as whole new concepts and 

 goals will undoubtedly come into focus. This, however, is a healthy 

 progression and one which will provide the necessary motivation 

 for continued effort. 



The modern challenge to marine biologists is to understand, 

 explain, and predict the intricate interrelationships of life in the sea. 

 It is, of course, impossible to foretell the extent that this knowledge 

 will affect the future of mankind. That it will be profound appears 

 evident in the many imaginative programs being undertaken. The 

 ultimate goals are far reaching and constantly being extended as the 

 sciences adjust, almost daily, to an increasing awareness of the oceans' 

 great potential. Today, it seems reasonable to envision spectacular 

 achievements in inner space that will parallel those of outer space. 



The present and future plans of the National Oceanographic 

 Program include the concerted efforts of many institutions, govern- 

 mental and private, toward common goals. The U. S. Naval Ocean- 

 ographic Office is an active participant in this great enterprise and 

 will play an important role in unlocking the door to that strange 

 world beneath the seas on which we sail. 



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