My name is Jose Lozano and I am a PhD student from the University
of Vigo, Spain. In this cruise (DY029), I work with Elena Garcia, post-doc at the
University of East Anglia, taking samples and doing measurements of oxygen (O2) respiration in the Celtic Sea (Candyfloss) by using different methods, Optodes (optical sensor devices, which is designed to
measure absolute oxygen concentration and % saturation), Electron Transport
System and Winkler (a test used to determine the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water samples).
Net community production (NCP) is a measure of the net
amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere, which represents the difference
between Gross Primary Production (carried out by phytoplankton
through the photosynthesis) and Dark Community Respiration (from both phyto
and zooplankton). Plankton found in the world’s oceans are
crucial to much of life on Earth. They are the foundation of the bountiful
marine food web, produce half the world’s oxygen and suck up harmful carbon
dioxide. It is therefore vital for scientists to closely observe the oceanographic and biological variables related
with these little buoyant organisms, temperature, nutrient content, light
extinction or partial pressure existing in the water column.
During the cruise we have very busy schedules, not only the scientists but
also the crew and the technicians. They all work constantly, making the practice of
science much easier, by cleaning, cooking, creating tools, or fixing devices.
We, the scientists, couldn't make it without their support.
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Dolphins, Photo: Jose Lozano |
When you spend 24 hours a day in an oceanographic vessel, even in hours of rest, you feel very tempted to go on deck to chill out and breathe the fresh air at the stern. In a good day you can feel the ocean breathing gently and musically through the waves, the cool wind blowing on your face, you can observe the wildlife, the terns and the gannets flying over your head and families of common dolphins jumping playful just few meters away from the vessel. You can even see some land animals, such as owls, garden birds or little spiders, which are travelling with us on the ship. All these organisms, from the smallest diatom to the biggest marine mammal, breathe oxygen (though in the case of archaea or bacteria, other molecules may be used) in order to obtain energy from organic matter, so to be able to keep going.
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Sandwich tern. Photo: Jose Lozano |
