"Polarstern" back from Antarctic expedition

Biologists investigated ecosystem and its changes
After more than seven months, the German research vessel "Polarstern" returned to Bremerhaven on June 2nd from its 21st Antarctic expedition.

The voyage was concerned primarily with biological topics related to responses of the South Polar Sea ecosystem and organisms to disturbances and changes. Under the extreme habitat conditions of the Antarctic Ocean, natural changes with biological effects occur frequently. In order to judge or predict the responses to possible climate changes, it is important to understand these effects.

The dock period in Bremerhaven will be used for maintenance and repairs. On June 16th, the largest German research vessel will leave for the Arctic. At that time, emphasis will be placed on Oceanography, Biology and Air Chemistry.

In relation to the currently completed expedition, the "Alfred Wegener Institute" has published the following press releases:

" Scientists investigate Krill in the South-Polar Ocean", May 6, 2004
" Iron fertilisation of the ocean raises the food supply of marine animals and transports carbon dioxide to the deep ocean", April 2, 2004
" Sinking greenhouse gas into the Ocean", January 16, 2004
" Global research in sea and sky", October 17, 2003

Bremerhaven, June 4, 2004