The Phytoplankton...

4/6/2018

...it’s what we are here to study. Well, more so, the amazing world that lives in the water that is mostly too tiny to see with the unaided eye.

Phytoplankton comes from the Greek words phyton meaning “plant” and planktos meaning “wanderer” or “drifter” So, there is no coincidence we are drifting out here, in the North Atlantic, with so many amazing wanderers who seek to understand what they cannot easily see.

Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton are responsible for much of the oxygen present in the Earth’s atmosphere and half of all photosynthetic activity on Earth.

And when you put them under a microscope—they are beautiful—stunning, really!

They play a huge role in sustaining the aquatic food web which, in some ways, helps sustain our role on this planet.

Thank you to Stephen Bennet for the beautiful virtual images he created to help us bring this fascinating world to life and to Ben Knowles, who’s excitement and commitment to his craft is contagious. I could listen to this man talk about plankton and the community they exist in--all day.

1 Comment

Author

Nicole Estaphan

I love surprises, they give us the opportunity to dive into the unknown with unquenchable curiosity. Two years ago, I made the decision to leave my job as an Atlanta television reporter. I moved home to Massachusetts and found myself on Cape Cod with no job and no idea of what was next, no idea about the pure magic that was about to enter my life. A friend of mine called and asked me to do a favor for a small radio station where she had just taken a job. All I had to do was go to Woods Hole, MA and interview a scientist about a mission called the NASA_NAAMES project. That scientist would end up changing my life and perspective in ways I am still trying to find the words to fully explain. After a discussion about their impending journey at sea--an invitation to join them. Though, Mike Behrenfeld and I still disagree on who asked who we DO agree on the result--a fantastic partnership was born. With less than twenty four hours notice I was on a ship headed to parts of the North Atlantic that few ever see in winter AND for good reason!! The conditions can be intense! At the time, given the challenges at sea and my video equipment being limited to one tiny little camera .
(RE: 24 hours notice) this blog became a way for me to communicate with the family members whose loved ones were so far away. Giving them an onboard look at the fascinating work at the hands of those they call family. Fast forward we are at it again!! This time as the scientists dive deeper into all that is unseen in our oceans--we will dive deeper into their research, the incredible sacrifices that come with that and the love that fuels their mission of discovery. The journey continues March 20th.....

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10/9/2018 02:22:32 am

I am very sorry, but these tiny creatures are the reason why I am scared of the ocean. I am thalassophobic and it means that I am afraid of the ocean, specifically, I am afraid of encountering sea creatures. The Phytoplankton and other living organisms under the ocean gives me anxieties because I cannot see them, and some of them are still not discovered. I really hope that I can overcome this fear. Again, I apologize for not appreciating the beauty of Phytoplankton.

JOURNALIST AT SEA