An underwater bioluminescence assessment tool (U-BAT)

The goal of this research is to produce a light-weight, inexpensive bioluminescence sensor capable of accurately measuring fine-scale vertical bioluminescence potential (<< 1 m resolution), that can be integrated onto a variety of coastal ocean platforms. After successful Phase I transition of the Multipurpose Bioluminescence Bathyphotometer (MBBP-G3) sensor technology developed at UCSB to WET Labs, Phase II will further develop and refine this technology to produce a commercially available bioluminescence sensor. The envisioned Underwater Bioluminescence Tool (UBAT) will provide a single integrated sensor or system for wide-scale, cost effective, full water column profile bulk-phase biological processes discrimination and assays. The envisioned product directly address Naval needs by providing a rapid, reliable, visibility and vulnerability bioluminescence (BL) assessment for deployed assets and potential threats. By broadening the use of the BL measurements UBAT will significantly increase general understanding of the roles of BL in oceanic biodynamics. This work directly addresses ONR topic # N05-T026 for the need to transition novel BL sensing technologies from the research to the commercial realm in order to enable a more comprehensive quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of the biogeochemical complexity of coastal oceanic ecosystems.