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A Lab in the Sea

WHOI scientists deployed a new instrument last spring that they believe could revolutionize oceanography. WHOI engineering assistants Will Ostrom (left) and Jeff Pietro helped put the instrument, called an Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) into waters off New Hampshire. An ESP is like a working laboratory in the ocean: It analyzes seawater for specific chemical constituents that identify organisms living in the ocean and transmits information in real time to scientists ashore. ESPs could be used to provide early warnings of harmful algal blooms and other toxic marine organisms. (Photo by Ashley Cryan, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)