Dr. Peter Verity and Dr. Marc Frischer of SkIO , Dr. Mark Hay of Georgia Tech , and Dr. Bernard Patten of the University of Georgia , were awarded a $2.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study the biofeedback basis of self-organization in oceanic ecosystems. The grant, titled " Biocomplexity: Bio-feedback Basis of Self Organization in Planktonic Ecosystems Using Phaeocystis as a Model Complex Adaptive System ," ran from December 2000 through December 2006.

Dr. Verity , who is the principal investigator, summarized the project rationale: The concept of a complex adaptive system has emerged as a central element in complexity theory as developed in recent years at the Santa Fe Institute and elsewhere. This concept embodies the idea that inherent in complexity, per se, are self-organizational tendencies that transcend the particulars of any complex system under investigation.

Phaeocystis is one of a very few recognized key organisms or "trophic engineers" among the plankton, which represent the base of the food web in virtually all aquatic waters. Among its various complex behaviors, Phaeocystis can change its morphology during various life cycle stages, thereby changing the entire food web around it. Phaeocystis is also important globally in that it produces chemcials that become greenhouse gases, which are associated with global warming. It is also very significant in the fluxes of chemical elements in the oceans and in supporting fisheries. Yet the mechanisms behind these processes are poorly understood. Our knowledge of distribution patterns of aquatic organisms is fairly sound, but we still do not know why certain species occur where and when they do. Therefore, we can predict little, and the goal of this new project is to attempt to improve on this.

Another important aspect of the project is to link the findings of this research to education in Georgia through the use of classroom instruction in biocomplexity via video conferencing, pre-college outreach programs, student internships, colloquia with distinguished lecturers, and international student exchanges.

SkIO scientists Dr. Marc Frischer and Dr. Peter Verity and Melissa Booth of UGA/Sapelo, Dr. Debbie Bronk of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Dr. Matt Gilligan of Savannah State University were awarded a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy . The research project will focus on " Molecular Approaches for In Situ Studies of Nitrate Utilization by Marine Bacteria ." The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of bacteria in the utilization of nitrate in coastal marine environments.

A study such as this is significant because much of the atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by human activity eventually dissolves in the oceans. Microscopic plants found in the ocean are important in removing this dissolved carbon dioxide, but to do so, they need nitrate and other minerals in relatively constant proportions. If marine bacteria prove to be strong competitors for the vital nitrate, the ability of the microscopic plants to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean will be diminished. Projections by oceanographers suggest that the effect of marine bacteria on the cycling of carbon dioxide through the atmosphere and oceans will be increasingly important in the next 20 to 50 years.

Another significant component of the project is to continue efforts toward integrating research into the marine science program at Savannah State University and helping to initiate a graduate program there. It is hoped that the increased representation of African-Americans in the marine sciences will be a direct outgrowth of the project.

SkIO 's Dr. Marc Frischer is the principal investigator on the project.

For more information:

Dr. Peter Verity (912) 598-2471

Dr. Marc Frischer (912) 598-2308