The Deeper We Go, The Less We Know

An Expedition to Waikiki, Hawaii

The exploration of our planet’s oceans often reveals extraordinary creatures that serve as key indicators of our climate's health. Gorgonians—commonly known as "sea fans"—are not just fascinating for their size and structure but also for their critical role in marine ecosystems. With over 1,200 species documented, gorgonians are a vital part of coral reef systems, making up 64% of all corals on earth. These corals contribute significantly to the biodiversity and stability of underwater environments, many of which are increasingly threatened by climate change.

Gorgonians belong to the Octocorallia class, characterized by their unique eight-fold symmetry and the protein gorgonin, which gives them flexibility and resilience in their deep-sea habitats. These corals have adapted over millions of years to thrive at depths where sunlight barely penetrates, with 75% of them found at 50 meters (164 feet) or deeper. However, rising ocean temperatures and acidification—consequences of climate change—pose significant risks to these ancient marine organisms, among many other human-induced actions.

Gorgonian samples in Sonia Rowley’s lab. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

Our understanding of gorgonians and their ecological importance has been greatly expanded by experts such as Dr. Sonia J. Rowley, a professor at the University of Hawaiʻi. Dr. Rowley is one of the few researchers who have ventured to depths of 181 meters (600 feet) to study these corals firsthand. Her work provides invaluable insights into these deep-sea creatures and highlights the broader impacts of environmental changes on marine life, emphasizing the need for dedicated conservation efforts backed by science. And in this case, deep-sea science.

Sonia’s Beginnings

Hailing from a small fishing village in England, Sonia's formative years unfolded on the deck of a boat, far removed from the conventional classroom setting. Despite the challenges of dyslexia that hindered her in her youth, she found solace and a sense of belonging in the ocean, learning to dive by the time she turned 11. This is where she discovered her true calling, allowing her to overcome her educational hurdles in pursuit of a career in biology.

Sonia Rowley on our 30 meter dive. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

However, her path into the world of marine biology and deep-sea exploration was far from easy, especially in a field historically run by men. At 28, after forging a path in commercial diving—a male-dominated sector—she made the bold decision to chase higher education, turning her past adversities into the fuel for her scientific journey. Sonia knew that to excel and carve out her place in this world, she would need to surpass many who had preceded her. She dedicated herself to becoming a highly trained, certified, and experienced diver, exploring depths that few others dared to venture. This rigorous commitment allowed her to gain insights into our oceans that most never will, positioning her as a true expert in her field.

While some might romanticize scientific life as one of constant exploration and adventure on the seas, Sonia was ready to share the reality involving extensive lab work, administrative tasks, grant applications, and the relentless quest for funding. Yet for Sonia, she's established herself enough to still get out to sea to conduct her experiments, against all odds. 

The Gorgonian Deep Diver

Diving with Sonia offered our expedition team a front-row seat to her deep-sea research on gorgonians. The moment we boarded the vessel, the challenging conditions became apparent. Heavy gear shifted precariously on the deck as we struggled to keep everything in place. It quickly became clear that getting into the water wasn't just preferable—it was essential for safety.

Sonia Rowley practicing her experiment in the shallows of 30 meters. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

As we prepared to enter the 22°C (73°F) waters, Sonia briefed us on her plan: She was testing a new method for an upcoming Indo-Pacific expedition, using biodegradable dye on an invasive coral species to study their responses to underwater currents, especially at greater depths.

While Sonia was equipped with advanced diving gear designed for long-duration underwater research—called a closed-circuit rebreather (CCR)—our standard scuba gear limited our dive to just an hour at 30 meters. For Sonia, however, 30 meters is only a shallow dive—her true research lies in the Mesophotic coral reefs, also known as the "Twilight Zone," which extend from 30 to 180 meters. This zone, where sunlight begins to fade, is where Sonia's expertise shines. Her remarkable dive to 181 meters, a feat that involved nine hours underwater, was made possible by her use of her CCR.

Sonia gearing up for our dive using a CCR. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

The CCR allows for much deeper and longer dives than standard scuba gear, but it comes with its own challenges. Divers must make "deco stops" during their ascent to safely expel dissolved gases from their bodies and avoid decompression sickness. This means Sonia's deep dives are not just about reaching great depths—they involve spending hours carefully ascending, stopping at specific depths to allow her body to adjust.

Curious about how Sonia passes the time during these long dives, we asked her what goes through her mind while suspended in the ocean's layers. She shared that her deep dives are filled with questions about what she can study and observe. On familiar sites, she targets specific species, filming and observing them for hours. This focused observation, coupled with the tranquility of the deep ocean, makes her dives both productive and profoundly relaxing. For Sonia, these dives are more than just research—they are where she finds her best thinking happens, a place of comfort and clarity.

Sonia's rigorous practice on shallower dives ensures her safety and precision at greater depths. This meticulous preparation allows her to thrive in the extreme environments where she conducts her groundbreaking research, turning the depths of the ocean into her sanctuary.

The Gorgonian Lab

Following our intense diving, we transitioned from the unpredictable ocean to the stability of Sonia's lab, a change of pace to more grounded scientific pursuits. Inside, we encountered an impressive collection of 8,000 gorgonian samples, each awaiting analysis by Sonia and her team. She shared her fascination with the many mysteries surrounding these specimens, particularly highlighting those from Wakatobi, Indonesia, collected from depths exceeding 140 meters. “There’s so much we don’t know about these gorgonians. They are here so that we can try to extract as much information as possible,” Sonia explained. “The deeper we go the less we know.”

Meeting Sonia Rowley. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

The Wakatobi Regency in Indonesia, encompassing around 150 islands in the Southeast Sulawesi Province, serves as the backdrop for some of Sonia's most captivating research. It's here and in Pohnpei, Micronesia, that she has identified new species and engaged in remarkable marine discoveries, significantly advancing the scope of her work. Sonia expressed an eagerness to venture further, driven by the vast expanses of uncharted Mesophotic coral reefs awaiting exploration. "There are so many unexplored places I'm eager to see within my lifetime," she shared, highlighting her ambition to delve into regions of the ocean where few, if any, have ventured before.

Throughout her extensive dives and research in the Indo-Pacific, Sonia has observed a notable phenomenon: the diversity of gorgonian corals at shallower depths generally decreases when traveling eastward, yet remains constant at greater depths. This has sparked questions about coral distribution, their adaptation to changing environments, and potential evolutionary paths, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines and Indonesia. She distinguishes between corals found within specific depth ranges and those that thrive across various depths, highlighting the role of environmental variables such as light, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, sedimentation, and geomorphology at depths beyond 140 meters.

Geomorphology, the study of the origin and evolution of earth's surface features, emerges as a critical factor in Sonia's research, influencing the findings and insights gained from each dive. Basically, she’s focused on the complex interplay between marine life and their habitats, paving the way for a deeper understanding of coral ecosystems and their resilience—especially amidst climate change. Because there’s so little science that’s been done surrounding deep-sea gorgonians, Sonia is on track to break more records, find more species and bring more of what sits so deep beneath the surface to light.

Sonia’s coral sample drawers. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

As we moved through her lab, she opened drawer after drawer of gorgeous gorgonians of all shapes, sizes, and colors. She talked about each one in great detail, every specimen a prized piece of a greater collection. She described them with an intimacy and precision that spoke volumes of her deep connection and commitment to her research. Her vivid recollections of the moments of discovery, from the depth of each find to the precise timing, were nothing short of remarkable.

What’s on the Horizon

Today, Sonia’s primary focus is on finding others who share her passion or those she can inspire to delve into the world of gorgonians. She explained that her experience in the marine biology sector, particularly as a woman, has been one of overcoming numerous challenges. The barriers she faced highlight the broader challenges that persist in the field, not exclusive to just her. However, through sheer determination and an unwavering commitment to her work, Sonia has carved out a significant place for herself in the world of deep-sea research.

In Sonia’s lab observing her work. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug

During our time together, she was actively seeking the right individuals to join her on an upcoming expedition, offering unique opportunities for students to get involved directly and learn that ocean science is for all. She emphasized, “When you see something this extraordinary underwater, you become more motivated to protect it. My goal is to help more people realize that nature isn’t here to serve us; we are here to protect and serve nature.” 

Her ongoing quest to inspire the next generation of marine scientists, especially young women, proves the importance of diverse voices in the fight to protect our ocean. Sonia's journey from a small fishing village to becoming a leading figure in ocean science highlights the boundless potential when we dedicate ourselves to expanding knowledge. Marked by perseverance and a relentless pursuit of understanding, Sonia’s work serves as a powerful reminder that our capacity for growth and positive impact is limitless, even in the face of adversity. 

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Words by: Andi Cross | Photography by: Marla Tomorug | Support from: SOEST

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SHE Changes Climate collaborates with the Edges of Earth Expedition, a woman-led team dedicated to highlighting impactful stories from the environmental frontlines. This partnership focuses on amplifying the voices of women who are pioneering positive change in some of the world’s most vulnerable coastal and marine environments, many of whose stories have gone untold.