News

24 July 2015

Japanese and European scientists studying the effects of ocean acidification

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Scientists from Shimoda Marine Station at the University of Tsukuba have found volcanic vent systems off Shikine Island which release millions of litres of CO2 per day. This provides a hugely exciting opportunity for Japanese and European scientists to work closely together since techniques for studying the effects of underwater carbon dioxide gradients have recently been refined in the Mediterranean. In June 2015, Jason Hall-Spencer from Plymouth University and Marco Milazzo from Palermo University joined University of Tsukuba scientists for a fortnight to survey marine life and set up experiments at the CO2 seeps.

The project is expected to bring high-profile publicity to the problem of ocean acidification which is happening due to human CO2 emissions. The scientists are documenting what can survive in the sea after long term exposure to the levels of CO2 predicted in the coming decades. Whilst many seaweeds will do well at the high CO2 levels, corals and many other calcified organisms can’t tolerate the corrosive waters. The research vessel Tsukuba II proved to be perfect for their scientific diving work off Shikine Island.  Over the next year researchers at Tsukuba, Plymouth and Palermo will be monitoring the experiments carefully to provide the evidence base needed to assess the effects of rising CO2 levels on fisheries and coastal ecosystems in Japan.

 

[Text kindly provided by Professor Jason Hall-Spencer.]

 

The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation was delighted to have awarded Professor Jason Hall-Spencer a Daiwa Foundation Small Grant in our March 2015 round.

We look forward to hearing how his research progresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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