Scientists are exploring the ocean to find medical breakthroughs and address the climate crisis.

Scientists are exploring the ocean to find medical breakthroughs and address the climate crisis.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Ocean: Biodiscovery, Technology, and Conservation

Introduction

The ocean, vast and unexplored, holds the key to some of the world’s most pressing challenges in health and climate. Researchers from academia and private companies are racing to tap into the potential of water-based organisms, aiming to advance healthcare and address the climate crisis. However, this pursuit of scientific progress must navigate the delicate balance between marine protection and economic gain. In this article, we will delve into the world of biodiscovery, the role of technology, and the important need for conservation.

The Untapped Potential of Biodiscovery

The field of biodiscovery seeks to unlock valuable traits from plants, animals, and microorganisms that can be used for innovation in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and cosmetics. While nature has already provided us with around half of clinically approved drugs, including antibiotics and cancer drugs, only a small percentage of these discoveries come from marine ecosystems. Researchers are now turning their attention to the ocean in search of microbes that can help solve pressing issues such as aquaculture waste, methane consumption, plastic degradation, and the creation of biofuels.

Challenges and Opportunities

Unfortunately, the biodiscovery industry is facing chronic underfunding, bottlenecks, and untapped potential. Simultaneously, the ocean itself is under assault from pollution, overfishing, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Balancing scientific progress, marine protection, and economic gain is a complex challenge. Despite these obstacles, some organizations are making notable strides in addressing all three aspects.

The Role of Basecamp Research

Two of the Basecamp Research team taking samples in Azores, Portugal.

One such organization, Basecamp Research, is combining biodiscovery with biodiversity mapping. This London-based company conducts marine expeditions led by scientists and aims to build a knowledge graph of nature’s biodiversity. Basecamp Research collaborates with companies in search of enzymes for commercial use, as well as with NGOs and countries interested in mapping biodiversity. They also engage in partnerships with academic institutions and governments for specific projects. For example, their involvement in the Heritage Malta project includes collecting sediment samples from around archaeological wreckage sites to understand microbe evolution while also searching for enzymes with commercial potential. Importantly, the sampling methods used by Basecamp Research are nonintrusive and do not harm the surrounding environment.

Technology Fuels Biodiscovery

A visualization of proteins in silico, made by Saif Ur-Rehman, Basecamp Research’s data-engineering team lead.

Once collected, microbial DNA needs to be sequenced and analyzed. With billions of unique proteins, scientists rely on databases and powerful algorithms to process vast amounts of data. Basecamp Research’s data science team utilizes AI modeling to identify the best proteins and enzymes for specific applications, resulting in customized protein designs. Furthermore, winning designs can be used to train AI systems, enhancing the potential for further discoveries. This integration of technology enables the efficient screening of data to identify commercially valuable characteristics and aids in reducing waste, increasing product reuse, and improving aquaculture processes.

The Impact of the High Seas Treaty

A significant concern for the biodiscovery industry is the issue of traceability and fair compensation. The UN’s Nagoya Protocol, established in 2010, addressed biopiracy on land by ensuring that commercial profits from genetic resources are shared with the origin country. However, the protocol excluded the high seas, which encompass large areas of the world’s oceans beyond the control of any specific country. This exclusion leaves room for potential biopiracy. To address this, the High Seas Treaty was finalized earlier this year. This treaty regulates the use of physical and digital genetic data found in the deep sea and requires profits to be shared equally among nations.

Basecamp Research is aligning its practices with the Nagoya Protocol, sharing any royalties made from its data with the location partners. For example, if a national park collaborated with the company on a biodiversity survey, any resulting profits would be shared. Additionally, the High Seas Treaty aims to protect 30% of the high seas by 2030, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Conservation in the Face of Seafloor Mining

A diver during an expedition in Antarctica.

As interest in the ocean grows, so does the need for conservation and ensuring that discoveries benefit everyone. The push to mine the seafloor for critical materials, often positioned as necessary for a green transition, has sparked a debate. Scientists have criticized the “misleading” narrative and warned about the damaging consequences for marine ecosystems. This ongoing conversation has increased public awareness of the ocean’s value and fostered a deeper understanding of its untapped potential.

Conclusion

Through biodiscovery, technology, and conservation efforts, researchers are unlocking hidden treasures within the ocean. From microorganisms with medicinal properties to enzymes that aid in environmental sustainability, the ocean holds promising solutions. While challenges exist, organizations like Basecamp Research are blazing a trail, combining biodiversity mapping with sustainable practices. Additionally, the adoption of the High Seas Treaty seeks to ensure equitable access and fair compensation. As we venture further into the depths of the ocean, the need for careful preservation and sustainable collaboration remains paramount. There is still so much to discover, and with the right balance of scientific progress and environmental protection, we can unleash the ocean’s potential for the betterment of humanity and the planet.

This article is part of “The Blue Economy,” a series exploring how the ocean ecosystem is being used and preserved by humanity. For more climate-action news, visit Insider’s One Planet hub.