Uncovering the “Invisible People” of the Ocean
The Tara Oceans expedition, a groundbreaking scientific endeavor conducted from 2009 to 2013, has yielded a wealth of data that is transforming our understanding of the ocean’s microscopic inhabitants and their crucial role in the health of our planet. The ecpedition, led by the Tara Océan Foundation, focused on the ocean’s “invisible people” – microorganisms that, despite making up 90% of the ocean’s biomass, are largely invisible to the naked eye.
Over four years, scientists aboard the research schooner Tara collected 40,000 samples from around the world. These samples, ranging from viruses to zooplankton, were analysed using standardised techniques, including microscopy and DNA sequencing, to identify the organisms present, map their genetic makeup, and study their interactions.
The Tara Oceans continues to grow as internationsl teams analyse the expedition’s data, unlocking new insights into the complex world of marine microorganisms and their role in maintaining a healthy planted.
For more information on the expedition visit here – and here for information on Tara Océan Foundation.
The picture above is taken from an article in Nature Microbiology on June 30, 2022 “Giving a voice to the invisible majority of the Ocean: the marine microbiome“