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Learning about adaptations in these harsh conditions helps us understand the limits of life, and enables us to protect ocean biodiversity in the face of climate change.

Exploring the oceans

Deep-sea volcanoes that emit clouds of molten sulphur, hydrothermal vents that spew plumes of super-heated water and dissolved minerals—neither sounds like an ideal place to set up house. Yet an astonishing range of marine organisms call these hostile environments home.

They're the lifelong passion of Dr. Verena Tunnicliffe, an internationally renowned expert on the sea life found at hydrothermal vents, subsea volcanoes and low-oxygen zones.

Tunnicliffe’s research focuses on the biology and ecology of deep-ocean organisms living in extreme conditions, and has contributed to the formation of two major ocean reserves.

"Learning about adaptations in these harsh conditions helps us understand the limits of life, and enables us to protect ocean biodiversity in the face of climate change", she says.

Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea (VENUS)

Tunnicliffe spearheaded development of the world's first advanced cabled seafloor observatory: VENUS.

VENUS, the coastal network of the Ocean Networks Canada Observatory, is a cabled undersea laboratory for ocean researchers and explorers. VENUS delivers real-time information from seafloor instruments via fibre optic cables to the university.

Learn more about Dr. Tunnicliffe's research.