In late 2017, a seafaring blob ‘Olly’ made headlines in the news. Nineteen kilometers long and weighing a hefty one hundred seventy three tons, it prompted curiosity and widespread coverage from scientific and journalism circles alike. Olly, as it would come to be known, was a large blob of seaweed, floating in the Pacific Ocean. But what happened to this strange and unique natural phenomenon and why did it appear only to disappear?
At first, scientists had assumed the blob was a ‘giant raft’ of seaweed, created by a ‘random convergence’ of currents and wind in the ocean. Tests at the time showed that it was predominantly made up of Sargassum, a type of algae generally known to float on the surface. Other samples included cuttings and pieces of coral, some wood and even plastic debris, all of which could have been brought up from the sea bed and then gathered together to form the blob.
Initial scientific assessments suggested that, as a detritus raft, Olly was likely to have had a relatively short lifespan. Its movements were being monitored but it also posed a serious threat to marine life and coastal towns because of the environmental damage it could cause. Over the course of its journey, it left deposits of debris in its wake, which led to localized dead zones in the sea and along affected coastlines.
Attempts have since been made to identify the forces at play in the formation and disappearance of the blob. These include the forces of wind and waves and the impact of events such as El Nino. However, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, Olly is likely to have been the result of multiple ‘connected and developmentally related events’. Olly could also have been the product of a ‘second generation’ growth caused by human activities’ impact on the balance of iron and other nutrients in the ocean.
It is clear that another important factor in the life cycle of the blob was the meandering of the North Equatorial Current System (NECS), which has an impact on the winds and sea surface temperatures across the Pacific. The NECS brings warmer water towards the equator which can, in turn, increase sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in certain areas. This, so it is thought, would explain why Olly exclusively followed the NECS and eventually dissipated.
Whether or not another blob like Olly will appear soon is still a mystery, but what is certain is that there is still much to learn. It is well established that the ocean is a complex and ever changing environment, but this episode demonstrated that further research is needed in order to better understand how different natural and human-made phenomena, together and separately, interact and affect our seas.
Effects On Ocean Life
The presence of the blob had a significant impact on the ocean’s ecosystem. It caused depletion of oxygen levels in the affected area, leading to mortality of certain marine organisms. The large amounts of organic matter and debris it swept up from the seafloor also caused localized dead zones and an overall decline in oceanic biodiversity. Furthermore, Olly’s biomass was several times higher than normal for the area, smothering and suffocating underwater life.
When Olly first appeared in 2017, the Sea Around Us research initiative carried out an assessment of the effects on the life in and around the blob. This revealed that fishing activity had nearly stopped in the vicinity of the blob, as well as in the most affected areas. In total, some 70,000 square kilometers of ocean had been reduced in biological productivity.
The study also highlighted the potential effects on commercial fishing and the livelihoods of local communities. For example, the blob crossed through an important habitat for jellyfish on the Pacific west coast of Mexico, and this could have caused a disruption in the supply of jellyfish, a valuable local resource.
Governmental Response
In response to Olly, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) took immediate action. It declared a state of emergency in areas affected by the blob, which led to increased monitoring and research into the phenomenon.
The Mexican government was also quick to act. It established early warning systems, issued alerts to vulnerable coastal locations and established coastal monitoring programs. In addition, Mexico’s Environment Ministry initiated a project to study the blob’s effects and the possibility of a long-term monitoring program.
While the response from Mexico was on-the-spot, the US response was reportedly lacking in key areas and it was criticized for its slow and insufficient response. This was due to the prevalence of outdated technology, lack of resources and inflexible infrastructure.
Public Perception
News coverage of the blob initially caused a panic. The media described it as an ‘invasion’ and tended to focus on the potential threats it posed. As a result, there was a lot of confusion about what the blob actually was and how it should be responded to.
However, as the story developed, the general public’s attitude towards the blob shifted from fear to fascination. People began to view Olly as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of the world’s oceans, a unique and mysterious natural phenomenon that should be appreciated and respected.
The blob also raised awareness of the microbial life that exists in the ocean, drawing attention to the interaction between the oceanic and atmospheric systems. Olly’s movements around the Pacific highlighted the impact of climate change and human activities on marine ecosystems.
The Role Of Technology And Science
The study of Olly is now making use of advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing, to track its movements across the Pacific and to monitor its effects on the ocean environment. This technology has enabled climate scientists to more accurately predict the extent of its movement and the effect of its high concentrations of biomass on the marine environment.
The situation also highlighted the importance of international collaboration between scientists on the issue and the need for accurate data in order to inform policy decisions. This has enabled them to gain a better understanding of the causes of widespread oceanic phenomena and to develop more effective conservation strategies.
In conclusion, Olly was an extraordinary event that warrants further research. The impact of the blob on our understanding of marine ecosystems and the vital role of technology and science in monitoring and understanding these phenomena, is an important reminder of the fragility of our ocean environment.
Societal Implications
The study and analysis of Olly have had profound implications for society. Firstly, it has served to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. Pollution, for example, can rapidly alter ocean current pathways and the presence of alien substances such as plastic particles, can result in long-term contamination of the seas.
It has also highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the need to develop strategies for preventing large marine debris accumulations. These strategies must consider both natural and anthropogenic factors and include effective governance and policies.
Furthermore, the story of the blob has also served to emphasize the need for improved public communication of scientific research. The media have played an important role in informing the public about the blob and its implications, but more can still be done to ensure the wider public is aware of the threats posed by such phenomena.
Finally, it has also highlighted the need for better access to data and resources for ocean research. if we are to better understand and monitor large-scale oceanic phenomena such as Olly, we must first increase our knowledge base and develop better ocean data collection systems.
Challenges Of Research And Monitoring
The study of Olly has revealed a number of challenges that still need to be addressed in order to improve our understanding of large-scale ocean phenomena. These include improving access to data, understanding the dynamics of wind and ocean currents, and improving the accuracy and speed of ocean monitoring systems.
In addition, there is a need for more research into the effects of the blob on marine ecosystems and the fisheries industry. This is due to the potential long-term and wide-reaching impacts on coral reefs and coastal communities.
The use of advanced technologies has enabled the study of Olly to progress further but there is still much to be done. There is a need for better understanding of the interaction between the different elements of the marine ecosystem, in order to accurately monitor and predict large-scale phenomena in the future.
Finally, there is a need for researchers to work with policy makers and stakeholders. This is crucial if we are to develop effective strategies for managing the risks posed by large marine debris accumulations and address the causes of ocean pollution.
