In the field, from left to right: Dr. Claudio Iorio (SZN); Dr. P. Giordano (CNR–ISP); Dr. E. Serino (University of Naples Federico II); Dr. M. Esposito (University of Naples Parthenope)

The first group of researchers arrived ready to begin the PNRA–PACE project — a multidisciplinary research effort that studies how microbial, phytoplanktonic, and zooplanktonic communities interact with physical and biogeochemical processes in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay (TNB).

These data will also shed light on mesoscale structures (eddies, fronts, and underwater currents) that play a vital role in transporting heat, nutrients, and organisms between water masses.

The new oceanographic mooring — affectionately named nS1 “Nessy” in tribute to the legendary deep-sea creature — is 600 meters long and equipped with oceanographic sensors, hydrophones, and an automatic sediment trap to collect suspended particles and zooplankton.

Despite being unable to recover the S1 mooring, the mission didn’t stop. Thanks to the crucial support of NATO-CMRE, the team quickly assembled a new mooring. Using high-resolution seafloor mapping, they identified an optimal site for deployment, located 3.3 nautical miles north of S1.

🔍 Discover more in these publications:
www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/11...
www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13...
pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/art...

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