Our main goal on day 1 (17.9.2024)  was to find the best study site within the area for which we have a permit to operate within Norfolk Bay. Weather was partly cloudy with breezy westerlies in the morning. Some wind swell from behind provided some surf experience. We did 4 dives at different locations within the area for which we have a research permit. The deepest site was very heterogenic, full of turf algae with only a small oxic layer at the top. Pretty much everything below 1 cm depth into the sediment was black sand. The shallowest site was better but close to shore with the risk that boats would anchor in the area and unknowingly disrupt the field study. Site 3 and 4 were in between and site 4 had the most homogeneous appearance of sediment so was chosen for now as the potential study site. We then tested sediment sampling equipment and also how olivine rock powder (considered for ocean alkalinity enhancement) could be distributed evenly over roughly 1 m2 of sediment. This was a surprisingly challenging task and further testing will be needed before the actual experiment can commence. The wind further increased toward the evening, making it a very bumpy ride but luckily our boat, the Lowinna III, did a great job and got us back to the boat ramp without being fully soaked. Day 1  got us some good insights how to overcome problems. Were now in the lab to refine pore water sampling and other crucial aspects. The video below provides some impressions from day 1.

Lennart Bach