Two scientists carry samples through the Arctic scientific research station of Ny-Alesund. The last samples from nearby Kongsfjord and from inside the nine mesocosms (experiment water enclosures) were brought ashore to the laboratories before the experiment was packed away.
Greenpeace is working with scientists from the German marine research institute IFM-GEOMAR to investigate ocean acidification, by deploying nine large mesocosms.
Ocean acidification is a phenomenon caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that has just as much potential to damage marine ecosystems as climate change. Absorption of excess CO2 pollution by seawater causes its PH level to drop, making it more difficult for calcifying creatures integral to the marine food web to form shells and skeletons.