Tara Pacific, state-of-the-art sampling methods

Tara Pacific expedition 2016-2018
Tara Pacific, state-of-the-art sampling methods
One of the scientific coordinators of Tara Pacific invented a new device that can be pulled behind Tara at a speed of more than 7 knots (about 13 km/ h) without breaking under the force of water. Named the Dolphin, this prototype, unique in the world, pumps surface water via an imposing pipe.

As shown in the above photo, researchers then embarked on a frenetic race, filtering, mixing, transferring the precious liquid into dozens of tubes. These samples were then sent to various scientific laboratories that analyzed the microorganisms present in the collected surface water.