The International Maritime Organization has established the first international guidelines addressing marine geoengineering approaches, following extended negotiations among numerous nations. The framework, adopted earlier this October during the IMO’s annual meeting in London under the London Convention and Protocol treaty, formally recognizes three primary ocean carbon removal methods: ocean fertilization, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and biomass sinking. The guidelines emphasize a cautious stance, noting that additional scientific investigation is required before activities beyond the research phase can proceed, while simultaneously acknowledging growing commercial and scientific interest in marine geoengineering.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement, the most developed of these techniques, involves introducing alkaline substances into seawater to increase its capacity for absorbing and storing carbon dioxide while countering ocean acidification. Companies such as Planetary Technologies are already conducting commercial operations, generating revenue through carbon-removal credits sold to major corporations. The sector has attracted more than $500 million in investment since 2021, according to tracking data, with Nova Scotia emerging as a significant hub for such operations alongside established research institutions.
Despite the IMO’s framework, significant questions persist regarding implementation and oversight. Scientists and conservation groups express concerns that commercial expansion may be outpacing the scientific understanding of potential environmental consequences. Regulatory gaps create opportunities for inadequate environmental standards, particularly regarding the sourcing of alkaline materials, as some cost-effective byproducts contain trace metals that could harm marine ecosystems at even minimal concentrations. Zooplankton, which form the foundation of marine food webs, are among the organisms researchers are monitoring for potential adverse effects.
Governance challenges extend beyond environmental concerns. The application of existing maritime laws to these emerging technologies remains unclear, and regulatory jurisdiction boundaries are not yet well-defined. Brad Ack, chief executive of Ocean Visions, emphasizes that substantial public investment is necessary to establish comprehensive rules and standards, noting that current efforts primarily stem from private enterprises and academic institutions. Meanwhile, researchers including those at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are developing methodologies to better assess carbon removal effectiveness and environmental impacts through ocean alkalinity enhancement initiatives globally.
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