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Comments
Sampling for CEAMARC continues and has become more stream-lined. Having tested a range of samplers at the first sites, we are now focusing our efforts on those that proved most effective. The combination of samplers that we are now using is giving us a broad representative sample of the full suite of sea-bed animals, including excellent very high definition still photographs from the STS trawl mounted camera system. The team of designers and builders in the AAD's Science Technical Support Section are to be congratulated for their combined skills in producing rugged equipment that works under the very difficult conditions down here. A highlight of today's hauls have been the first solitary corals for the trip. The skeleton's of these animals are made from aragonite - the form of calcium most susceptible to ocean acidification. The specimens collected today were from 700m and had very delicate, friable shells. It will be interesting to see whether they are found at the deeper sites where, because of the increaser water pressure, the aragonitic calcium will have a greater tendency to dissolve. Oh yes....and Happy Christmas to everyone. Regards, Martin and Sarah.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.