SCAR 2024: HAUWAI-20 autonomous biological sampler
This groundbreaking innovation has the potential to transform Antarctic marine research. The autonomous biological sampler HAUWAI-20 will be deployed in Antarctica for the first time this season.
Here’s some highlights from a presentation by Dr Charles Lee at SCAR 2024.
What is the HAUWAI-20?
HAUWAI-20 stands for High-capacity Autonomous UnderWater sampler for Antarctica 2020, a pioneering device designed to autonomously collect biological samples and conduct oceanographic measurements under Antarctic sea ice. It is poised to be deployed outside Scott Base for an initial 12-month mission in the 2024/25 summer research season.
The instrument is equipped with a programmable controller and in-line sensors, allowing it to sample when specific environmental conditions are met or when it detects something scientifically interesting. This ability to make real-time observations in an extreme environment makes the HAUWAI-20 a game-changer for Antarctic research, given that icy habitats are inaccessible by humans for much of the year.
A name with deep significance
The HAUWAI-20’s name is not just a label; it carries a rich Māori narrative, gifted by Professor Tom Roa, a renowned Māori linguist. “Hau” refers to the vital energy that is present in all things, while “wai” means water. However, "wai" also carries the connotation of identification, as in the question "ko wai koe?" meaning, "Who are you?". The name Hauwai thus encapsulates the instrument’s purpose—identifying and understanding life under the ice by setting this energy in motion, perfectly resonating with the device's mission.
Addressing crucial scientific questions
The aim is to learn more about the biology of Antarctic sea ice outside the Austral spring, answering scientific questions like:
- What are the composition and structure of the sympagic community?
- Does land-fast ice serve as unknown habitats for pelagic species?
- What ecosystem services do sympagic biota provide?
Understanding present-day conditions in these ecosystems is essential for forecasting the potential impacts of climate change. The Ross Sea Region, which includes the world’s largest marine protected area, is home to a diverse array of organisms, from tiny algae and bacteria to large animals like whales. By collecting data on these interconnected organisms, the HAUWAI-20 will provide invaluable insights into the complex food webs that sustain life in this remote and fragile environment.
Innovative Collaboration and Development
The HAUWAI-20 is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the late Prof Craig Cary from the University of Waikato, the University of Delaware, and Cellula Robotics based in Vancouver, Canada. The original prototype was funded by the United States National Science Foundation, marking a significant international effort to advance Antarctic research.
Ongoing support for this project is provided by the New Zealand Antarctic Science Platform (ANTA-1801) as a strategic investment in transformative capability under Project 3, Projecting Antarctic ecosystem changes in a warming world, as well as The University of Waikato’s Strategic Capital Investment Fund.