Ocean iron fertilization

Ocean fertilisation has been proposed as a strategy to increase the biological capacity of the oceans to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is done by introducing iron into the oceans to increase productivity, thereby stimulating phytoplankton blooms and consequently increasing carbon uptake. This strategy has been heavily criticised for its low carbon sequestration potential and potentially far-reaching ecological consequences. It is not possible to fully predict the effects of this strategy in advance. The risks include a significant reduction in biodiversity through a massive die-off of fish and marine plants, which could trigger an alarming chain of cascading effects.

Nº 22

Haida Gwaii

  • N/D
  • Changing the Climate System
  • Promotion of Geoengineering
some attempts made
past case
Region-1
Region-2
Region-3
Region-4
ongoing case
no attempts made

None

Ocean iron fertilization

Ocean fertilisation has been proposed as a strategy to increase the biological capacity of the oceans to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is done by introducing iron into the oceans to increase productivity, thereby stimulating phytoplankton blooms and consequently increasing carbon uptake. This strategy has been heavily criticised for its low carbon sequestration potential and potentially far-reaching ecological consequences. It is not possible to fully predict the effects of this strategy in advance. The risks include a significant reduction in biodiversity through a massive die-off of fish and marine plants, which could trigger an alarming chain of cascading effects.

In 2012, the Haida Gwaii archipelago was secretly involved in a large-scale ocean fertilisation experiment. The Haida Salmon Restoration Corporation, with the support of Old Massett, released approximately 120 tonnes of iron sulphate and oxide into the ocean. As a result, a significant phytoplankton bloom was observed months later, even visible on satellite imagery. However, this action was strongly condemned by government authorities and scientists because of its uncertain effects. The consequences of the experiment, although not fully understood, have led to an apparent environmental imbalance and exerted significant grazing pressure on the large phytoplankton and microzooplankton populations.

  • Frustrated the efforts to address the initial problem
  • Cascading (far-reaching effects following each other)

BATTEN, S. D., & GOWER, J. F. (2014). Did the iron fertilization near Haida Gwaii in 2012 affect the pelagic lower trophic level ecosystem? Journal of Plankton Research, 36, 925–932. doi:10.1093/plankt/fbu049.

Hudson, A. (2018, June 15). Divided worldviews at play in debate over ocean fertilization. Haida Gwaii Observer. Available at https://www.haidagwaiiobserver.com/local-news/divided-worldviews-at-play-in-debate-over-ocean-fertilization/

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