Bioluminescence Potential in the Transition Zone to Very Shallow Water (VSW)

The long-term goal is to advance our understanding of the ecology of bioluminescent organisms and the mechanisms governing the temporal and depth-dependent variability of bioluminescence in the coastal ocean. With improvements in technology, finer-scale resolution and concurrent physical, chemical and biological data are available to advance our understanding of the forcing mechanisms governing the temporal and depth-dependent variability of bioluminescence in environments of Naval relevance. In addition, few measurements of bioluminescence have been made in this transition region because of limitations in both platforms and sensors. This is despite the stated need in a recent report (National Research Council 2003). The report highlights bioluminescence as an environmental variable that often influences planning and execution of naval missions, and, in general, the need for more understanding of littoral processes. The objective of this project is to better characterize bioluminescence in the transition zone from the near shore to very shallow water (VSW) environments. Measurements of bioluminescence and other parameters will be made in conjunction with other ONR-sponsored physical oceanographers and near shore modelers to provide a basis for a global understanding of how bioluminescent organisms respond in these turbulent and high sheer environments. Specifically the objectives are to; 1) Focus measurements in the transition zones from the near shore to VSW environments (including the surf zone) in conjunction with other physical measurements. 2) Relate cross-shore and along-shore measurements to the shoreline types and shoreline morphologies, including entrances to ports and harbors over a range of relevant time scales (i.e. tidal). 3) Elucidate differential responses between autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms to turbulent and high sheer environments.