Antarctic biolum

Discovering the diversity of species and their interactions to help preserve the Antarctic abyss

Antarctic biolum

Discovering the diversity of species and their interactions to help preserve the Antarctic abysses

The Antarctic biolum project

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

Climate change is profoundly altering polar habitats and species, even though we still know little about them. For example, we have never explored the Antarctic abyss, home to fascinating species such as the colossal squid.

Today, there is an urgent need to understand and monitor the evolution of life in these regions, in order to anticipate and mitigate the threats it faces. However, interacting with this marine life without disturbing it represents a major challenge, not least because of the lack of knowledge about the life habits of these organisms. Researchers on the Antarctic Biolum project are turning to an innovative means of communication that is particularly essential in the deep sea: bioluminescence.

GOALS

Describing changes in the macrofauna of deep Antarctica using innovative 360° bioluminescence emission/detection.

METHOD

The project is based on the installation of an observation platform equipped with a unique light bait and high-resolution cameras. These devices will be deployed on the seabed of polar abysses, enabling constant, non-invasive 360° monitoring of the marine environment.

By modulating the color and patterns of light emitted, researchers will be able to selectively attract different groups of organisms, making it easier to study the biological diversity of the Antarctic abyss.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

By using bioluminescence as a means of communication with deep-sea species, it is possible to interact with deep-sea species without the need for capture or the use of nutrient baits that disrupt communities.

This project opens up new prospects for understanding and preserving these unknown ecosystems, already threatened by deep-sea mining.