Dr Peter Sperlich is to spend two weeks on research vessel Kaharoa off the Fiordland coast next month to research how much carbon the Fiordland forest is absorbing . Dr Sperlich and Niwa principal technician Ross Martin, will be collecting air samples as part of research into the native Fiordland forest to determine exactly how much carbon it is absorbing. Previous Niwa research suggested the forest is acting as a huge carbon sink, absorbing a lot more of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide than previously thought. This was a surprise discovery that potentially changed Niwa’s view on the role of native forests in the carbon cycle, Dr Sperlich said. Dr Sperlich was also keen to learn more about the role the fiords played in Fiordland’s carbon budget.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 25, 2020 15:33 UTC