Mariana Vent Larvae (MarVel) Workshop: International Study of Connectivity Between Hydrothermal Vents in the U.S. Marianas Trench Marine National Monument

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

We are proposing the Mariana Vent Larvae (MarVeL) Workshop to catalyze new collaborations between multi-disciplinary research groups from the U.S. and Japan, with the goal to develop a coordinated plan to study connectivity between hydrothermal vents in a region of high priority to the international community. S. Mitarai will serve as local host for the workshop in Okinawa. Our goal is to propose a coordinated research plan to our respective government agencies for an interdisciplinary and international study focused on the Mariana vents. These are the only vents in a marine protected area in U.S. waters. Our combined expertise and resources will enable insight into larval biology and dispersal in the deep sea. There is a history of U.S. and Japanese research interests in the Mariana region, with collaborations generally involving geo-scientists (e.g., marine geology, geochemistry) and focusing on seafloor processes. Our collaboration involving physical oceanographers and biophysical modelers will extend studies up into the water column. Women scientists and early career scientists (postdoctoral researchers and graduate students) from both the U.S. and Japan will participate at the workshop.