A global array of robotic floats is transforming how scientists observe ocean health

The GO-BGC Array is a 5-year project funded by the National Science Foundation to build a global network of floats equipped with chemical and biological sensors to monitor ocean health. The project brings together researchers from MBARI, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Washington, and Princeton University to build and deploy 500 robotic biogeochemical floats around the globe.

A single robotic float costs the same as two days at sea on a research ship. The floats can collect data autonomously for more than five years in remote areas and in all seasons, including during winter storms, when shipboard work is limited. This game-changing technology is transforming how oceanographers and climate scientists observe and understand our changing ocean. Data streaming from the float array becomes available in near-real-time and is made freely available to researchers, educators, and policymakers around the world. Sharing these data brings new opportunities to learn, collaborate, and inspire collective action for our changing ocean.

Video production and editing: Madison Pobis
Producer: Susan von Thun

[boundsgreenboy]

Thanks again and good luck to MBARI, and the many that are involved in this interesting and necessary venture .

[alicevanderbruggen]

Great job MBARI!!!! And congratulations on getting the funding for this very important project. After the Tonga under water volcano, the reality of the causes of climate change are very apparent. Thanks for sharing and all the best!

[leekorbel]

Thank you for all the important work that you all do! Wonderful.

[Castellanocreep]

I think we need more people to change their Health and focus on stop eating fish and ocean tuna. The fishing industry is depleting resources. Imagine how much we bring in daily from large fishing companies?? A lot. Now imagine that monthly to yearly. Imagine how beautiful the ocean was thousands of years ago or even hundreds of years ago. We need to focus on over fishing and people to cut back or cut out meats and fish. It’s very important we don’t help contribute to that industry. It’s an awful industry

[wmschooley]

Interesting that there is nothing mentioned about DoD or Navy involvement. One might think that salinity levels at various depths might be of interest to sonar watch keepers. And who is to say that NSA or navy satellites aren’t also harvesting float transmissions directly?

[ZYX]

🌊 All of the researchers must be so very proud of themselves!
What a wonderful introduction to you all. 🌊

Science is Magic! 😉
I don’t care what you say😉😎

Many thanks for sharing your endeavors, looking forward to seeing more from you all.🪁
🌬🪁🌬

[petestransit]

The climate has been changing since the Earth was formed. And no human will ever change that!

[djamelb.]

YES of caurse it's for biologie mmmm ??? ...
it's for hunting ....
it's to observe supermarine nuclear devices and submarines ...