Introducing CISME
Community in situ Metabolism
Measure Respiration and Photosynthesis Underwater
CISME is a unique system for monitoring respiration and photosynthesis of corals and other organisms in situ. Developed at the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), CISME measures oxygen fluxes and changes in pH during in situ incubation of samples. Water flow and light levels are controlled by the user. In addition to respiration and photosynthesis, water may be sampled for titration in the lab to measure total alkalinity. From this, calcification rate may be calculated. The sample loop can also be used to introduce substances to the sample that might affect metabolism, such as acidified seawater for ocean acidification studies. For more click HERE .
Bringing the Laboratory to the Ocean

  • Electronics components are contained in a pressure resistant acrylic electronics housing unit (80 m depth) connected by waterproof cables to an incubation flow-sensor head.
  • An incubation Head housing the sensors, pump and LED light source is attached to the coral/substrate surface using special retractors.
  • CISME is operated with a proprietary Android app on a submersible Android tablet connected by a WiFi cable.
  • Recirculating water is contained within the incubation head by a closed cell foam seal attached to corals, reef substrates such as turf and coralline algae, or settlement plates.
  • Allows non-destructive measurements on massive corals with low rugosity surfaces. Branching corals require sampling.
CISME Components
Intuitive Software

CISME software allows the user to control the LED light level from 0 - 2500 umol quanta/m2/s and the pump speed from 350 to 1200 mL/min. Single or repeated measurements of respiration and photosynthesis can be automated. Graphical displays show data during the experimental time course. All raw and calculated data may be downloaded to a spreadsheet. All commands are implemented using the touchscreen of the underwater tablet.

Customize your CISME
Do you have a specific application for CISME?
Do you have ideas about how CISME may be used in your research?
Please contact us to discuss how we may assist you.
Our scientists have decades of experience in measuring photosynthesis and respiration and we are always prepared to consider customizing our equipment so that it meets your precise requirements.
Contact Us
Phone: 613-384-1977
Fax: 613- 384-9118

1573 John Counter Blvd. Kingston,
Ontario, Canada, K7M 3L5