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WELCOME TO THE OCB OCEAN FERTILIZATION WEBSITE

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There is still great uncertainty surrounding ocean fertilization, or the addition of nutrients to the surface ocean to stimulate phytoplankton activity, thus increasing ocean CO2 uptake. Much more research is needed to understand the implications of ocean fertilization for marine ecosystems.


The Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) program is a scientific community-driven coordinating body that promotes U.S. research and international cooperation to investigate the ocean’s role in the global Earth system. Projected increases in atmospheric CO2 levels and potential associated changes in the earth's climate have prompted scientists and engineers to devise strategies for removing some of this CO2 from the atmosphere. Strategies involve the addition of micronutrients (e.g., iron) and/or macronutrients (e.g., urea) to the ocean surface or via artificial upwelling technologies (e.g., floating tubes, wave pumping) to stimulate phytoplankton activity, thus increasing photosynthesis and subsequent removal of atmospheric CO2. Understanding the importance of keeping the OCB community connected to ocean fertilization science and policy activities, the OCB Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) recently identified the need for an ocean fertilization subcommittee. With oversight from this subcommittee, the OCB Project Office has developed this website as a clearinghouse of ocean fertilization news and informational resources to support the OCB community.

OCEAN FERTILIZATION NEWS

May 6, 2011: Modeling and Synthesis Southern Ocean Natural Iron Fertilization (June 27-29, 2011, Woods Hole, MA) 

February 22, 2011: Researchers from around the world come together to form the ISIS (in situ iron studies) Consortium.  View ISIS Consortium website. 

January 25, 2011: IOC of UNESCO releases A Scientific Summary for Policymakers on Ocean Fertilization

October 27, 2010: GAO Releases Report on Geoengineering Research Program

October 12, 2010: Whales help fertilize the ocean with floating dung (NPR)

September 21, 2010: Read more about the  ISIS Consortium To Promote In-Situ Iron Studies of the ocean, a workshop on ocean iron fertilization research (July 12-14, 2010, Woods Hole, MA)



Disclaimer

The material posted on this website is for informational purposes only, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry (OCB) program, its federal agency sponsors, or the OCB Subcommittee on ocean fertilization.




Last updated: May 6, 2011