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 (biology), 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 onto 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.

As director of the ocean observing network VENUS, Tunnicliffe’s lab interacts extensively with a wide research community interested in ecosystem processes in the Salish Sea. The Victoria Experimental Network Under the Sea (VENUS) is an innovative approach to interacting with the oceans.

Scientific instruments under the sea surface and on the sea floor connect directly to a data clearinghouse and to the computers of researchers via fibre optic cables. Study locations in Saanich Inlet and Strait of Georgia support internationally significant research on a range of topics.

Learn more about Dr. Tunnicliffe's research and oceans research at UVic.