Between July and November 2021, community groups got together in Ōtepoti Dunedin at the City Library, Dive Otago, the Marine Studies Centre, and some local schools. We explored physical ocean climate data collected locally, as well as published data about impacts on marine life.

We toured the marine labs at the NZMSC, collected plankton tows from the wharf, and looked at those samples under a microscope. About 80% of all marine life starts out as plankton, and this larval stage is where species are often most vulnerable to ocean climate change. Their shell structures may be delicate, or their development may depend on environmental cues that evolved in a cool ocean.

Taking in all this information, we created a series of artworks and stories to bring this data to life using printmaking, watercolour and acrylic paints, pencil and ink. It was a powerful experience, and the creativity of our community (many of whom claimed not to be artistic) was incredible!

Thanks to Raimo Kuparinen, Gianna Savoie and Virginia Watson for the photos.