What is Ocean Iron Fertilization?
Ocean iron fertilization (OIF) is a controversial technique that involves adding small amounts of iron to the ocean surface. The goal is to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which use photosynthesis to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When the plankton die, some of that captured carbon sinks deep into the ocean. This process could potentially keep the carbon out of the atmosphere for centuries.
Exploring Ocean Iron Solutions Program Aims to Study OIF
The not-for-profit Exploring Ocean Iron Solutions (ExOIS) recently published a plan in the journal Frontiers in Climate. The plan outlines a study to determine how much carbon dioxide OIF could capture. It also aims to assess the potential impact of OIF on marine ecosystems. The program hopes to conduct trials across up to 10,000 square kilometers in the northeast Pacific Ocean. These trials could begin as early as 2026.
ExOIS is seeking to raise $160 million for the project. The organization has already received a $2 million grant from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This grant will fund computer modeling for the project. The scientists plan to apply to the US Environmental Protection Agency for permission to begin ocean iron fertilization trials.
Controversy Surrounding Ocean Iron Fertilization
Ocean iron fertilization has faced public backlash in the past, with dozens of experiments conducted in the 1990s and 2000s. The technique was banned internationally for commercial purposes in 2013 under the London Protocol, a global ocean pollution treaty. This ban came after American entrepreneur Russ George dumped 100 tonnes of iron dust off the coast of Canada.
Critics are concerned about the unknown negative effects OIF could have on the ocean. Some fear that OIF could create “dead zones” where algal blooms consume all the oxygen in the water. This could kill other marine life. There are also concerns that fertilizing with iron could make nutrients unavailable for other organisms.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Ocean Iron Fertilization
- Benefits:
- A study found that adding 1-2 million tonnes of iron to the ocean annually could capture up to 45 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2100.
- OIF could potentially help mitigate the effects of climate change by removing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Risks:
- Computer modeling showed that OIF could steal nutrients from other marine organisms.
- OIF could potentially lead to a 5% loss of marine biomass, on top of the estimated 15% loss from global warming.
- The long-term effects of OIF on marine ecosystems are not fully understood and require further study.
ExOIS plans to conduct detailed monitoring of its Pacific Ocean studies to determine the impact on marine life. The organization will also use advanced computer modeling. ExOIS claims that even at larger pilot scales, there will be no permanent changes. The iron will naturally deplete and mix back into the ocean.
Importance of Public Involvement
As the ExOIS article notes, involving public groups in discussions about the responsible implementation of ocean iron fertilization will be crucial. The authors emphasize giving “particular attention” to groups that have been historically excluded from decision-making about ocean spaces.
While the potential for OIF to help capture carbon dioxide is significant, more research is needed to fully understand its risks and benefits. As the climate crisis intensifies, it is essential to carefully consider all options for reducing atmospheric carbon. However, we must prioritize the health and wellbeing of our planet’s oceans and the life they support. Ocean iron fertilization remains a controversial topic that requires further study and public dialogue.
Read More: World’s First Ship-to-Ship Ammonia Transfer
