16 ACUMEN • SPRING 2024 “We’re working to better understand these ecosystems to inform resource management, as well as understand the basic mechanisms that shape biodiversity in the deep ocean,” he says. Herrera broadly specializes in understanding biodiversity in the interior of the oceans and the deep sea, which is a challenging environment for life to survive since food and light are scarce and living things have to endure extreme pressure in the deepest water. “We have very poor knowledge about what biodiversity patterns exist in the deep sea,” he says. “And the main reason for that is because humans haven’t explored it yet.” In other ecosystems, it’s easier to see and understand variations in biodiversity, he explains—for example, if you compare the different animals that reside in Africa to North America or the higher biodiversity of tropical areas to the lower levels in polar regions. It’s not as easy to just look into the darkest corners of the deep ocean and see what’s happening with biodiversity. “But, we’ve found a surprising amount of diversity in the deep ocean,” says Herrera. “Every time we go out on an expedition, we discover a new species. “So now, why is there such high diversity in the deep sea, and what processes contribute to its biodiversity?” he asks. symposia to foster conversations and collaboration with researchers across the globe. “If you build it, they will come,” says Layden, associate professor of biological sciences. “Lehigh Oceans will let people know that we have a critical mass of researchers doing interesting and collaborative work in marine science.” Here’s a closer look at what the researchers affiliated with Lehigh Oceans are doing in ocean science. Biodiversity in the Deep Sea When the Deepwater Horizon oil spill dumped four million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, it raised many critical questions about the environmental impact of the spill. Santiago Herrera received support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RESTORE Science Program to bring his research expertise to the Gulf to help investigate the ecological toll of the spill and to help guide restoration efforts. He specifically focuses on deep-sea corals, which provide vital habitat for marine life, including abundant invertebrate and fish communities, many of which are key commercial species, like crab and shrimp. Herrera studies the biodiversity surrounding the deepwater corals and the processes that limit their reproduction, which can help inform resource management in the waters affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Left to right: recovering a robotic submersible, Balmonte team in the field, Santiago Herrera and PhD student Syrmalenia Kotronaki recover samples, Michael Layden in his lab, PhD students Nicole Pittoors and Luke McCartin work on a robotic vehicle, samples in the Layden lab, Herrera team prepares for a dive. FIELDWORK IMAGES COURTESY OF LEHIGH OCEANS, LAB IMAGES–CHRISTA NEU
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