Studies of benthic foraminifera in surface sediments of the Arctic, epicontinental Barents Sea, show several indications of calcium carbonate dissolution. Low values of calcium carbonate correspond to low ratios of calcareous/agglutinating foraminifera, planktic/benthic foraminifera, high ratios of living/dead foraminifera, corroded calcareous foraminifera, and high numbers of exposed organic linings of foraminifera. Dissolution increases eastwards and northwards in the study area. We suggest that the dissolution is caused by the presence of dense, cold, saline and CO2-rich bottom water, which is linked to sea-ice production and the position of the Oceanic Polar Front. We also think calcium carbonate dissolution in this area indicates a sink for atmospheric CO2.