Sampling water in the Horrific Pacific and setup of the experiment

The water sampling was conducted between the 12^th and the 13^th March 2014. The first sampling trip lasted 6 hours, with half of the crew being seasick for the whole trip, proving the evident differences between sampling in little seas such as Baltic and Mediterranean and sampling in vast oceans with “real” waves J

Besides the harsh experience the landscape provided spectacular overlook to local marine wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), southern American sea lions (Otaria flavescens), sea otters (Lutra felina), Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) and pelicans (Pelecanus thagus), among other interesting fauna. 

Water from three different areas was sampled, representing different conditions, and we expected different phytoplankton communities. The three sampling stations were: an upwelling point (33.18611S-71.71933W), a non-upwelling point (33.35088S-71.68208W) and a close to river outlet point (33.61597S-71.64649W). The water was collected with niskin bottles from 5 meter depth.  Temperature, salinity and conductivity (CTD) profiles were also measured.

The experiment was set up outdoors at ECIM in a water bath to ensure stable temperature. A light sensor and two thermometers monitor these environmental parameters every 30 seconds. The inside of the bath was coated with black plastic fabrics in order to reduce the light reflexion. We have set up 18 mesocosms using 15L cubitainers, placed inside water tank each with individual aeration system to ensure a stable pH and prevent sedimentation.