An advanced observation system composed of underwater robots will record oceanographic parameters and ambient sound in the waters of the Thermal Dome, providing scientists with a detailed three-dimensional view of the properties of this oceanic region, which is of great ecological and economic importance to the region.

Eight smart buoys are part of the international ocean observation project “One-Argo.” These buoys will travel between 0 and 4,000 meters in depth and are equipped with GPS location systems, satellite communication, microscopic-level cameras, and sensors for oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity, and pressure, among other things. Of the eight, six have already been deployed in the core of the Thermal Dome, located in international waters more than 200 miles off the Central American coast.

The Argo-Dome project is jointly promoted by MarViva Foundation, the Overbrook Foundation, the National University of Costa Rica (UNA), the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) through the Villefranche-sur-Mer Oceanographic Laboratory, the Costa Rican NGO Pelagos, Sorbonne University, the Sargadom Project, and the Blue Action Fund. These robots establish an observation framework to support the dynamic governance and management required by the Thermal Dome, located off the coast of Central American countries and primarily on the high seas.

“This is an opportunity to understand better what is happening in the waters of the Thermal Dome, a site of significant biological and economic relevance. Moreover, it allows us to position Costa Rica as a reference country in using these technologies”, said Katherine Arroyo Arce, Executive Director of MarViva.

The Thermal Dome is one of the most productive marine areas in the Pacific Ocean. There, winds and ocean currents cause nutrient-rich cold waters to rise from the depths to the surface, creating a high-productivity oasis. It is a vital space for feeding, breeding, and migrating various marine species drawn to the organisms thriving in the area’s high nutrient concentration.

“The Argo-Dome project is a pioneer in offshore oceanographic research in the region. For the first time, we are deploying an autonomous ocean observation system that transmits data via satellite, enabling a three-dimensional view of the Thermal Dome and revealing its dynamics and interactions with processes such as El Niño and seasonality. Additionally, key parameters related to the Biological Carbon Pump and the Oxygen Minimum Zone will be studied—both essential for understanding carbon flow between the surface and the deep ocean”, said Sergio Cambronero, a researcher at the Villefranche-sur-Mer Oceanography Laboratory (CNRS) and UNA.

Beyond their socio-ecological applications, the profiling floats offer an excellent opportunity to introduce ocean and marine science into classrooms. Educational initiatives have been implemented to raise awareness among new generations about the challenges of sustainable development and biodiversity preservation.

“As part of the initiative, high school students from Puntarenas have ‘adopted’ the deployed floats and will follow their scientific journey throughout the school year”, explained Manon Audax, outreach coordinator of the educational program Adopt a Float.

In addition to the valuable data that will be obtained—crucial for governance processes in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the BBNJ agreement—this project will strengthen Costa Rica’s scientific and technological capacities, positioning the country as a leader in this field.

Commercial fishing, sport fishing, and marine wildlife watching are the most important economic activities linked to the Thermal Dome. Between 2017 and 2022, these activities generated USD 1.58 billion.

Infographic here