05/01/15 Bigelow Labs...Tiny Giants: Microbes

The Lab's mission is to advance society’s understanding of the interactions between ocean ecosystems, global processes, and the environment.

Phytoplankton microbes comprise many species, and are the base aquatic food source in the ocean around the world. They grow and reproduce using photosynthesis with the sun’s energy and carbon dioxide dissolved into the ocean from the atmosphere. The phytoplankton are present throughout our oceans, which make up over 70% of the earth’s surface, and they live in the top 200 feet of the ocean to a depth that sunlight can penetrate. The phytoplankton’s photosynthesis generates over half of the atmospheric oxygen that we take for granted for life on land.

As seen from space, the green swirl in the Gulf of Maine is one of the most productive zones of phytoplankton growth on earth, and is responsible for the diverse and large biomass generated here. While Bigelow’s research focus is global, Boothbay and Gulf of Maine provide a perfect location for an ocean-based research laboratory.

In addition, Bigelow maintains a national repository of oceanic microorganisms used for testing all over the world. They complete genetic mapping and conduct research on other oceanic microorganisms present at the greater ocean depths and harsh ecological conditions. Bigelow also tests Maine’s coastal food sources to verify they are fit for human consumption both in Maine, and for export around the world.

Check out the many public events this summer at Bigelow Laboratory. From conversations with scientists at Café Sci events each Tuesday beginning July 7, to public tours, to an open house featuring "Tiny Giants," don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about why microbes matter. For more information, go to:  www.bigelow.org/news/current-news/public-events-galore-summer/​