DivePro - Info

By Paula Thompson

IT covers 70 per cent of the Earth's surface and could hold the cure for some of our most terrible diseases from cancer to AIDS and MRSA. But we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about our oceans.

Despite its importance for human survival, more than 95 per cent of the world's seas remain unexplored and only five per cent of its species have been discovered.

MPs warned this week that more scientific research is needed into our seas.

Members of the Science and Technology select committee say with more funding, the UK could be at the forefront of marine science - a field that could have important implications for industry, medicine and climate change.

"It's vitally important that we explore this vast realm on our planet," said Dr Jon Copley of the National Oceanographic Centre in Southampton.

"Forget the African Savannah, the ocean is the largest environment on Earth and most of the geological processes that shape our planet take place there.

"Nature is very good at coming up with its own solutions to problems and there is so much of the sea still unexplored, who knows what secrets it holds?"

Some of the most important medical discoveries of recent years were derived from the sea, including revolutionary treatments for cancer and HIV.

Furthermore, dried and processed forms of seaweed are used to treat rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions while certain varieties have been found to possess antiseptic and blood thinning properties.

Compounds from deep sea sponges found off the coast of Florida have led to the development of a drug to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while the unusual chemistry of a Caribbean sponge led to the development of the first important drug in the fight against HIV.

More recently, says Dr Copley, material from sea sponges is being used in clinical trials to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Commercial industry also stands to benefit from marine exploration.

"In the same way that the moon landings brought us non-stick frying pans and pens that work upside down, the ocean can bring all sorts of innovations that benefit our everyday lives," says Dr Copley.

The detergent industry is investigating enzymes found in bacteria within whale carcasses. It is thought they can break down fats and oils under low temperatures - ideal for washing powders.

Drinks manufacturers use enzymes spewed from volcanic vents beneath the sea to turn starch into sugar, while cosmetics companies are using aquatic bugs to make super-strength sunscreens.

Furthermore, the skeletons of sea sponges are being used to make improved fibre optic cables for the communications industry Some experts believe the key to saving the entire planet could be submerged beneath the waves.

Studies have suggested that fermenting seaweed could provide a renewable energy source and some conservationists are already considering the role of the sea in tackling climate change.

"Microbes in the ocean are key players in how the planet works because they are involved in the carbon cycle," explains Dr Copley. "Some people are already suggesting doing things to the sea to prevent climate change.

"For example, if you could get more microscopic plant life to grow in the sea you could reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere because when the plants die they sink into the seabed taking the absorbed carbon with them."

But before any pioneering marine schemes can begin, says Dr Copley, more marine research must be completed.

"More than half of the planet is covered in oceans more than two miles deep and less than five per cent of that habitat has been explored," he said.

"Finding out more about the ocean is vitally important to enhance our understanding of life. "

With so much of our vast oceans undiscovered, who knows what potentially life changing secrets this vast underwater world could unlock for mankind.

Source - ThisIsHampshire.net