Scientists aboard Navy mission advance Antarctic ocean research

Scientists recently traveled to Antarctica on a mission with the Royal Canadian Navy. They used portable labs and equipment to study the ocean. This method is especially important because Canada has fewer specialized research ships after the retirement of the Hudson in 2022. During the journey on the HMCS Margaret Brooke, scientists stored their labs in reinforced steel containers. Douglas Wallace, an oceanographer at Dalhousie University, called it "science in a box." He noted that these modular systems help fill the gap created by the lack of research vessels. Fifteen scientists, including members from Natural Resources Canada, conducted research on various topics. They looked into glacial melt, ocean floor composition, microplastics, and carbon dioxide levels in seawater. One of the tools they used was a winch to lower water sampling devices called a "rosette" into the ocean. The team successfully collected around 2,000 samples. They faced challenges, such as working on a ship without a positioning system. However, they adapted by maneuvering the vessel to avoid problems while collecting data. The samples collected will help researchers understand how much carbon dioxide polar waters absorb. The navy vessel was part of a mission to strengthen connections with Southern Hemisphere navies. According to Wallace, using these modular units allows Canada to maintain scientific sovereignty at a lower cost. Renting space on a comparable research vessel could be very expensive. Despite the advantages of the modular system, researchers still hope for more access to dedicated Canadian ocean research vessels. New ships, like the CCGS Naalak Nappaluk, are being built for this purpose. Researchers believe the modular approach offers a practical solution for exploring the ocean, especially as international support for ocean research may decline.