In 2012 scientists at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) were able to make significant strides in understanding pressing ocean science issues of local, regional, and global importance. During this time, BIOS educators also brought ocean science education into the hands of students and teachers throughout Bermuda, as well as the US, UK, and Canada.Some of our achievements in using ocean science for human good include work to:n Understand Climate ChangeThe Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) completed 24 years of continuous sampling of the water column to learn more about biological and chemical cycles in the Sargasso Sea and how they are impacted by climate change. Using BATS data, scientists can study long-term trends in seawater chemistry (such as ocean acidification) and help address issues of global importance.n Advance Coral Reef ScienceIn the summer of 2012, the Coral Reef Ecology and Optics Lab (CREOL) successfully mapped the reefs of the north shore of Bermuda to support future reef monitoring projects. These maps provide scientists and resource managers with an important tool in their efforts to protect Bermuda’s reef ecosystem.n Explore the Link Between Oceans and Human HealthScientists in the Molecular Discovery Lab published data indicating that sea urchin cells are highly resistant to cancer causing agents, showing very little DNA damage and high survival rates at doses that kill human cells. These promising results offer potential insight into how some sea urchins can live more than 100 years with no reported cases of cancer. Researchers hope this information can be used as a model to better understand and prevent cancer in humans.n Educate Bermuda’s StudentsAfter starting out at BIOS five years ago as a Waterstart student, Bermudian student Kascia White interned in the Coral Reproduction, Growth, and Recruitment Lab during the summer of 2012 assessing the effects of climate change on coral larvae. She will graduate from St. Mary’s University in 2013 and is interested in returning to Bermuda to pursue a career as a marine science veterinarian. Kascia is one of more than 100 students that have benefited from the variety of education programmes offered by BIOS each year.n Support Bermuda’s TeachersA group of teachers from the Bermuda Union of Teachers participated in a professional development workshop at BIOS that emphasised real-world connections between current scientific research topics and what’s being taught in science classrooms. BIOS provides local educators with valuable resources that help bring ocean science from laboratories and research vessels into the hands of their students.n Some of the projects for 2013Over the next year, BIOS is looking forward to many more exciting opportunities and projects, including:n 150 days at sea aboard the R/V Atlantic Explorer, making her one of the busiest ships in the UNOLS fleet. These “at-sea days” will be used to support a variety of research programmes at BIOS, including collaborative efforts with international partners.n The survey and mapping of the reefs along the south shore of Bermuda by CREOL. Such comprehensive surveys allow scientists to monitor coral health from year to year, providing crucial data for conservation and management.n Using molecular and genomic tools to identify specific biological properties and compounds in marine invertebrates for application in medicine and biotechnology.n Welcoming 10 more budding Bermudian scientists to the 2013 Bermuda Programme, which provides paid fellowships for summer research at BIOS.n Continuing to offer free education resources and professional development for Bermuda’s primary, middle, and secondary school teachers.n And more!We’ve accomplished so much in 2012; help us continue that work by supporting BIOS in 2013!