The American Association for the Advancement of Science has elected Cordes an AAAS Fellow for his research, exploration and conservation efforts in the deep ocean.
Erik Cordes joins scientists like W.E.B. DuBois, Jane Goodall, Ellen Ochoa, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sylvia Earle and Thomas Edison as an AAAS Fellow.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg.
If aliens visited Earth, statistically speaking, their spaceship would most likely land at the bottom of the ocean. The deep ocean covers 60% of Earth’s surface, and while it is the planet’s largest living system, it is also its least understood. is trying to change that.
Cordes, professor and chair of the Department of Biology in the College of Science and Technology, has spent his career exploring the deep ocean and working to protect the sensitive habitats and organisms that call it home. For his efforts, he’s been named a fellow of the (AAAS), one of the world’s most respected scientific organizations. Being named a fellow is a distinguished lifetime honor and a prestigious recognition of a scientist’s contributions to their field.
Cordes was caught off guard when he received the email announcing his fellowship.
“It’s hard to fathom, honestly,” said Cordes, who has spent more than three decades exploring the deep ocean. “It’s a rare honor, and it’s something that I’m really proud of.”
Each year, the AAAS elects fellows whose “efforts on behalf of the advancement of science, or its applications, are scientifically or socially distinguished.” In a statement announcing Cordes’ fellowship, the AAAS referenced his contributions to deep-sea coral ecology, conservation policies for managing human impact and ecosystem services, and creative public engagement with ocean science.
“It was nice to see the conservation work acknowledged, because that’s something that isn’t always appreciated,” Cordes said. “It’s not something you can quantify, but it does take a lot of effort and time. And it’s not something that everyone does.”
As an AAAS Fellow, Cordes joins the ranks of many highly distinguished scientists like W.E.B. DuBois, Jane Goodall, Ellen Ochoa, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sylvia Earle and Thomas Edison.
He also becomes 51Թ’s sixth AAAS Fellow, joining Jody Hey, professor of biology; Michael L. Klein, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Science; Sudhir Kumar, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Biology; Nora S. Newcombe, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology; and Xiaoxing Xi, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Physics.
“To be in the company of those scientists, both historically and present day, is really gratifying,” he added.
The deep ocean begins thousands of feet below the surface, yet it plays an important role in sequestering carbon and cycling nutrients throughout the ocean. But humans have only mapped about 30% of the deep ocean, and we have higher resolution maps of Mars’ surface than we do our own ocean floor.
Cordes has made important strides in exploring the deep ocean and improving our understanding of the role it plays in sustaining life on earth. In 2018 and 2019, a 200-mile-long coral reef off the coast of the Carolinas—the largest known deep-ocean coral reef on the planet.
Earlier this year, Cordes and a team of scientists off the coast of Argentina, which is also believed to be among the planet’s largest known reef systems.
Cordes is also pioneering conservation and restoration methods in the deep sea. His team is working to repair coral reefs off the coast of Louisiana damaged by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and he’s bringing those same methods to the reefs in Argentina.
He explained that human industrial activity, especially from the fishing and oil industries, is expanding into unexplored deep waters, greater emphasizing the need for his work.
“When we have the chance to explore and understand the communities there, it’s important that we do,” he said. “Then we can use that information to advance our conservation goals and make sure we protect these more sensitive habitats that don’t really have another advocate.”
Cordes will travel to Washington, D.C., this spring to be formally welcomed as an AAAS Fellow during their annual Fellows Forum. Joining this group is a massive honor, and Cordes hopes the recognition will help promote increased deep-ocean conservation efforts.
“This is probably the most prominent scientific association in the country, and one of the most significant in the world,” Cordes said. “Being in this group also raises your profile as someone who could be consulted for your expertise as it pertains to policy. I’m really hoping that this acknowledgement can help further some of our conservation goals.”