Funded project: unravelling energy pathways in hydrothermal vents through isotopic labelling

We just received news that our project entitled “Transfer of energy in hydrothermal vents - an in situ experiment” will be funded by ISblue (Interdisciplinary graduate school for the Blue Planet). Together with Teresa Amaro, Gauthier Schaal, Marjolaine Matabos and Jozée Sarrazin, we will set up an deliberate isotopic tracer addition (pulse-chase) experiment in mussel beds from hydrothermal vents of the Mid-Atlantic ridge). In doing so, we aim to understand how symbiont-bearing Bathymodiolin mussels, that are considered foundation species, influence rates and pathways of carbon fixation in hydrothermal vent food webs . The experiment will likely be as challenging to set up as it is exciting. Stay tuned for more information!

[caption id="attachment_646” align="aligncenter” width="676”] Bathymodiolus azoricus bed and associated fauna (Lucky Strike hydrothermal field, Mid-Atlantic ridge). Picture © Ifremer.[/caption]