Ship-time request to study viruses and viral-mediated processes

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On average there are more than 100 million viruses in every mL of seawater. Studies during research cruises aboard "Vector" over the last several years have allowed us to address important objectives related to NSERC-funded research on the genetic diversity and role of viruses in marine ecosystems, in general, and the coastal waters of British Columbia, in particular. The ship time requested for 2009 will allow studies to take place that are crucial to understanding the impact of viruses on marine ecosystems and marine life. The proposed research focuses on a number of key objectives related to viruses that infect and cause mortality in phytoplankton and zooplankton, as well as addressing the impact of viral lysis on the recycling of nutrients. Studies on viruses in the marine environment have already changed our perception on the role and diversity of viruses in the global ecosystem; the ship time requested in this proposal will allow us to make major strides in our understanding of viruses in the ocean.