
MBARI Leads the Charge in the New Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences
2025-06-09
Author: Daniel
A New Era for Polar Research
This year heralds the launch of the United Nations Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, an ambitious global initiative aimed at tackling the striking transformations occurring in our planet's glaciers, snow cover, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost. At the forefront of this initiative is the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), renowned for its innovative research and advanced technology essential for gathering crucial data from the Arctic seafloor to the Southern Ocean.
MBARI's Vision for the Future
Antje Boetius, the President and CEO of MBARI and a prominent figure in polar research, emphasized the importance of this decade: cThe ice-covered regions of our planet are critical to its overall health and protect extraordinary ecosystems. The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences gives us a unique opportunity to work collaboratively to deepen our understanding and safeguard these vital polar environments.d MBARI stands ready to lead the way in evaluating the pulse of polar regions and unveiling the mysteries of uncharted waters.
Exploring the Arctic Seafloor
With climate change melting the Arctic sea ice, researchers are now able to access previously unreachable seafloor areas near the Canadian Arctic. Using state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicles, MBARI scientists conduct cutting-edge mapping surveys that unveil the intricate and ever-changing landscape of the seabed. Their findings reveal significant transformations, including the effects of thawing ancient permafrost and ongoing cycles of melting seawater, providing invaluable insights that can inform policymakers regarding underwater infrastructure in the Arctic.
Decoding the Southern Ocean's Secrets
MBARI is a crucial player in the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) project—an international collaboration aimed at enhancing our understanding of one of the planet's most elusive regions. Through the use of advanced robotic BGC-Argo floats equipped with MBARI-developed sensors, researchers continuously monitor ocean chemistry and productivity. Over 100 of these robotic floats are currently gathering critical data from the Southern Ocean, all of which is made publicly available for global researchers. Additionally, MBARI spearheads outreach programs to bring real-time data from these floats directly into classrooms.
Investigating Antarctica's Seafloor Processes
MBARI's research extends to the Antarctic Peninsula, where the phenomenon of submarine groundwater discharge—water flowing from the ocean floor to the ocean—plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems and ocean chemistry. This vital process has been difficult to study, especially as climate change induces freshwater leakage in the region. Preliminary studies by MBARI suggest that submarine groundwater discharge rates are unexpectedly high in Antarctica, compared to more temperate regions. This research will refine climate models for better regional forecasts.
Unlocking Southern Ocean Biodiversity with eDNA
The trail of environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind by organisms offers a revolutionary way to assess biodiversity in aquatic environments. MBARI employs its cutting-edge Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) and Filtering Instrument for DNA Observations (FIDO) to capture and analyze eDNA from remote locations. Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Program, MBARI deployed these instruments on the research vessel Nuyina to investigate the applications of eDNA technology in the Southern Ocean, particularly around East Antarctica's Denman Glacier.
Join the Movement!
As MBARI continues to push the boundaries of polar research, its commitment to understanding the impacts of climate change on our planet's cryospheric regions becomes increasingly vital. The Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences sets the stage for transformative discoveries that will ultimately help protect our planet's fragile ecosystems.