Master Project 1: In Situ Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Experiment in the Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia The aim of this project is to elucidate the reaction of six tropical seagrass species to elevated dissolved pCO2 (as forecast for 2100) and nutrient concentrations. The Spermonde Archipelago features extensive seagrass meadows on reef flats. These meadows are mostly mixed stands of pioneer (Halophila, Halodule, Cymodocea, Syringodium) and climax (Thalassia, Enhalus) species, in different stages of succession. It is hypothesized that changes in pCO2 and nutrient concentrations might play a role in determining the outcome of competitive encounters between the different seagrass species. Practical work: The experiment will utilize a setup which was developed by Justin Campbell in Florida. In a selected seagrass meadow near the “Marine Biological Station” on Barrang Lompo Island, submerged clear open-top mesocosms will be installed. Dissolved pCO2 concentrations will be elevated by pumping surrounding sea water which has been enriched with CO2 into the mesocosms. Half of the mesocosms will receive surrounding sea water without added CO2. Plots without mesocosms will serve as controls. As a second factor, nutrient concentrations will be elevated by adding fertilizer pellets to some of the plots. The experiment will be run for a period of 2 x 3 months to include both the Southeast monsoon (“dry season”) and the Northwest monsoon (“wet season”). We aim to continuously replicate forecasts for 2100 throughout the duration of the experiment. Basic facilities for the measurement of biomass etc. are available in Indonesia but more complex analyses (water quality etc.) will have to be carried out in Germany. We offer professional supervision during field work in Indonesia (ca. 6 months) and excellent research facilities and professional supervision upon return to Germany at the Wadden Sea Station of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). Expenses for travelling and material will be covered. Upon the delivery of a dedicated work, authorship on a publication in a journal will be aspired. We are looking for a highly motivated student with an interest in tropical marine ecology. The applicant should have experience in ecological work and be able to work independently. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. We invite you to apply for this project and take the opportunity to set a foot in the exciting fields of tropical marine ecology. Application deadline: June 30, 2014. To apply, please send a motivation letter and CV to the contact address below. Contact: Dr. Dominik Kneer, Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research; [email protected], +49 4651 956-4220
