Jim Barry

Technology to Ecology in the Deep-Sea

About the Speaker

Dr. Jim Barry is a Senior Scientist and Chair of the Research Division at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Jim is a marine ecologist whose research focuses on determining the consequences of climate-related changes in ocean conditions (warming, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels) for marine organisms and ecosystems. His research ranges from studies of coastal species inhabiting rocky shores to deep-sea animals living to depths of 4000 m and from California waters to Antarctica. Although ocean surface waters are initially affected by global warming and rising carbon dioxide levels, ocean mixing processes will eventually spread the effects of fossil fuel emissions from the surface to the deepest depths of all oceans of the world. To study links between climate change and deep-sea ecosystems, Jim uses unmanned remotely-operated robotic vehicles (ROVs) operated by MBARI to observe, measure, and sample deep-sea corals, sponges, and other organisms. Dr. Barry has published over 150 scientific papers on these and other research topics. In addition to his own research Jim has been involved in national and international studies to assess the global impacts of climate change in ocean ecosystems and to organize efforts to improve our capacity to project changes in key ocean benefits for society (e.g., seafood, shoreline protection) that may be impaired by future changes in ocean conditions. Beyond his publications and presentations in the scientific arena, Jim has been involved in educating the public and policy-makers on the influence of climate change in ocean ecosystems. Through this outreach effort, Dr. Barry has helped inform policy-makers on ocean acidification, ocean carbon sequestration, and climate change by speaking at congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings with members of Congress.