What microscopic creatures drift through the waters of Prince William Sound—and how can scientists study them without ever leaving shore?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Rob Campbell of the Prince William Sound Science Center to explore a remarkable ocean-monitoring system known as the Profiler. This advanced mooring is packed with instruments that continuously measure key ocean conditions, including nutrients, turbidity, oxygen, salinity, and more, providing scientists with an unprecedented view of the underwater environment.
What truly sets the Profiler apart is its groundbreaking plankton camera—the first of its kind to capture twice-daily vertical profiles of plankton images throughout the water column. These snapshots offer a unique window into the microscopic organisms that form the foundation of the marine food web.
Dr. Campbell takes us behind the technology, explaining how the Profiler works, what it is revealing about the changing ocean, and how these data are helping researchers better understand the ecosystem that supports Prince William Sound’s countless species.
Tune in for a fascinating journey into the hidden world beneath the waves, where cutting-edge technology is uncovering the ocean’s smallest—and most important—inhabitants.
Note: Season 1 features episodes from 2015–2025 as we work to bring our podcast archive to major podcast platforms. These episodes were previously available only on our website, and we're excited to make them easier to discover and enjoy. Thanks for joining us on the journey!