05 Approaching the mesocosms

When the sun shines and the sea is smooth, but also when there is snow, rain, waves or ice drift, the participants of the mesocosm experiment sail from their station in Ny-Ålesund to their experimental field in the Kongsfjord.

Puffins and other Arctic birds can be observed during the short boat ride. From time to time, curious seals and beluga whales come past. The ecosystem seems intact – but for how much longer?

In the Arctic, effects of ocean acidification will occur especially early. Because the cooler waters of the higher latitudes take up more carbon dioxide than tropic or subtropic seas, they acidify faster and more strongly.

Photo: Nick Cobbing