The CALMARO project has been launched in order to study the marine calcification elements. Corresponding to the requirements of a European Program, EU has decided to participate to the financing of this study and to help this formation network which is about to work on it.
The CALMARO ('Calcification by marine organisms') project is financed to the tune of EUR 2.7 million by the 'People' Specific programme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), and brings together 13 research institutes and 4 companies in 8 countries.
The project is a training network, and throughout its four year duration 12 biologists, chemists and geoscientists who are just embarking on their research careers will investigate the formation of calcium carbonate in a range of marine organisms and the influence of factors like sea temperature and acidity on this process.
Calcium carbonate is one of the most important substances in nature, as it makes up bones, shells and coral reefs. Environmental factors such as temperature and pH (acidity) influence the ability of marine organisms to form calcium carbonate. Currently, rising CO2 (carbon dioxide) is causing the oceans to become more acidic, while climate change projections indicate that ocean temperatures are likely to rise over the coming decades.
Furthermore, the involvement of four small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the network means the young researchers will have the opportunity to see some of the practical applications of marine research, for example at an oyster farm, an aquaculture business and in companies that specialise in coastal consulting and the production of instruments designed to analyse CO2 levels.
European funds
