The KOSMOS GC 2019 study at PLOCAN’s Test Site has ended successfully after two months of activity. During these 7 weeks, 35 scientists and researchers have developed the KOSMOS GC 2019 study, led by GEOMAR (Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel). During these weeks, eight mesocosm bags were deployed in Taliarte harbour and were filled with natural seawater pumped in from outside Melenara Bay.
The study, within the framework of the Ocean artUp project, studied the feasibility, effectiveness, associated risks and potential side effects of ocean artificial upwelling in fertilizing ocean productivity and enhancing energy transfer to higher trophic levels with the potential of raising fish production. During the study, upwelling was simulated through the addition of nutrient-rich deep water collected off-shore, from PLOCAN’s Test Site, and injected into the mesocosm bags every second day. A broad range of upwelling scenarios with different nutrient ratios was simulated to test its effect on ecological and biogeochemical processes under upwelling conditions. The results of this study are expected to indicate how to optimize artificial upwelling for the purpose of increasing fish production.
GEOMAR work team will develop the second phase of the study in Peru.
