Microcean

Understand and promote understanding of the role played by the diversity of ocean microorganisms in climate regulation, and shed light on the challenges facing the deep ocean.

THE microcean project

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

The ocean plays a major role in climate regulation by sequestering atmospheric CO2 and storing it deep underground. This “biological carbon pump” is an ecosystem service whose strength and efficiency depend on the diversity and abundance of plankton. Its functioning at depth is virtually unknown, as are the complex interactions between planktonic species and their environment.

GOALS

Sequence the genomes of planktonic species responsible for the biological carbon pump, and explore their molecular, evolutionary and cultural links with humankind, to better understand their role in climate regulation and deep ocean preservation.

METHOD

This highly innovative project combines cutting-edge research in marine microbiology and social psychology to investigate the DNA sequencing of deep-sea plankton, but also to understand how society perceives and interacts with these oceanic microorganisms.

Scientists working on the Micro Ocean project aim to better protect plankton from pollution and overexploitation of marine resources, in the service of the planet’s climate, life and humans.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

By combining marine microbiology with social psychology, the Microcean project broadens our understanding of human-plankton interactions. Pure Ocean supports the project for its holistic vision of ocean research and its potential to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these ecosystems.