Invisible Organisms With a Deep Impact
Dr. Erin Field, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Ever wonder what happens after a ship sinks? The North Carolina coastline has thousands of shipwrecks in the area known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” many of which hold a world of wonder and are home to a diverse ecological community for which microbes are the foundation. In this talk, Dr. Field will discuss the microbes that call these wrecks home, the role microbes play in both the deterioration and protection of shipwrecks, and how this information can be used for long-term preservation. She will also explore how these wrecks can become artificial reefs and an ecological anchor over time, influencing the surrounding environment. Join us as we learn about these invisible organisms that live on shipwrecks and the deep impact they have on the marine ecosystem and the fate of these vessels.