Marine life enthusiasts will have a chance to set foot in the French research vessel and mingle with scientists who will be conducting workshops on microbiomes. The French Schooner Tara research vessel studying microbiomes relating to the ocean is set to arrive at the V&A Waterfront later this week.
This French vessel is on a nearly two-year-long research expedition with scientists who are studying the role played by micro-organisms in the context of climate change. Mostly looking at the fundamental fabric of the ocean, its micro-organisms and the future of this ecosystem considering climate change impact.
During its time at the V&A Waterfront interested people will be allowed to tour this sailing laboratory where scientists will be conducting workshops on their research and discuss various issues in relation to our oceans.
According to Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria, Thulani Makhalanyane scientists from South Africa, Brazil and Europe are collaborating on this research. He added that the ship has already been to Chile, at different locations in the Amazon and continents surrounding the South pole.
“The main point of the project is to understand what is called microbiomes in the South Atlantic. So, microbiomes communities could include anything from bacteria, algae, miosis and how they change in specific habitats.”
According to Makhalanyane the research vessel is set to arrive in Cape Town on Friday 22 April and set sail a week later to Namibia, Angola, the DRC and then to Senegal and other more places.
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Picture: Unsplash
