Fizzy Sea

'Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on our planet. However, pollution, over-fishing and the release of gases into the atmosphere are causing acidification and warming of the oceans to levels that corals are no longer able to tolerate. This photo was taken while on a scientific expedition to Ambitle Island, Papua New Guinea, as part of the Coral Reef Acclimatization to Ocean Acidification (CARIOCA) project. Volcanic carbon dioxide can be seen fizzling from the seafloor alongside diverse and healthy coral reefs. These underwater volcanic seeps add heated water with high concentrations of carbon dioxide that results in temperature and acidity levels similar to those expected at the end of the century, and commonly regarded as too extreme for corals' survival. This site offers a unique and authentic 'natural laboratory' for the study of the effects of climate change (ocean acidification and global warming) on coral reefs. Despite having acidity levels that are commonly regarded as too extreme for corals to even build their calcareous skeletons, the reefs in this area are surprisingly thriving.'

Tom Shlesinger

Minor adjustments were made using Adobe Photoshop CS6 (contrast, levels). Camera; Sony a7RIII camera. Lens; 16-35 mm (f2.8) lens within a Nauticam underwater housing equipped with a Retra strobe.