The Secchi Disk Study

Finally reaching Antarctic waters and starting to explore this incredible unique and pristine landscape and wildlife. Bark Europa is safely anchored and the voyage crew are about to explore the glacier front of Trooz in a zodiac cruise. Just before the cruise we made a short stop in Collins Bay where we were able to launch the Secchi Disc for the first time.   

Photo by Jordi Plana Morales

The Secchi Disk study is the world’s largest citizen science study of phytoplankton. The collected data are building a long-term database of phytoplankton abundance across all oceans that will be used to study the effects of a changing climate on phytoplankton abundance and the wider marine ecosystem.

Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that float in the ocean currents, they are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Phytoplankton also require inorganic nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and sulfur which they convert into proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Phytoplankton are at the base of the marine food chain and are one of the most important life forms in the ocean, as it determines the amount of other marine life from small crustaceans (such as krill) to fish to seabirds, seals and whales. Phytoplankton produces 70% of the oxygen in the atmosphere and helps regulate atmosphere by fixing CO₂, nitrogen.

Research has suggested that phytoplankton have declined in abundance by 40% globally between 1960 to 2010 due to climate change.        

Citizen Science studies are a unique way to collect global data that could not be obtained otherwise, and especially from less visited Polar regions. This is why the collaboration between Bark Europa and The Polar Citizen Science is important and by engaging in these projects, we help scientists to gather data from remote locations and at the same time hand our voyage crew an additional hands-on educational aspect during their trip. Hopefully it will enhance their experience even more than this breathtaking and serene place already does.