Climos aiming for first "ocean fert" project in late 2009

US-based geo-engineering specialist Climos has revealed that it is planning to undertake its first ocean fertilisation pilot project within the next 18 months, despite continued opposition to the practice from some green groups.

In an exclusive interview with BusinessGreen.com, company chief executive Dan Whaley said the firm was currently putting together the research team to work on the project and was looking for feasible sites most likely in the Southern Ocean.

He added that were the company to finalise a site in the Southern Ocean the first phase of the project would likely begin late next year.

Climos is planning to fertilise the ocean with iron particles in an attempt to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which will soak up carbon dioxide that will then be sequestered on the seabed when they die.

Whaley said that the aim of the Climos research project would be to assess the effectiveness of this process and the impact it will have on levels of oxygen in the deep ocean.

He added that were the project to prove successful Climos would seek to sell carbon offset credits similar to those offered by tree planting schemes.

Climos also defended itself against criticism from environmental groups, including Greenpeace, who have voiced fears that ocean fertilisation projects would upset the balance of marine ecosystems.

Whaley downplayed the criticism, arguing that the impact of ocean fertilisation on marine ecosystems could be equated with tree planting projects on land and insisting that much of the criticism was based on the misconception that ocean fertilisation could not be reversed.

However, Climos' planned pilot project could yet be derailed with the IMO scheduled to receive a scientific review on the impact of ocean fertilisation next month.

The review from the International Oceanographic Commission was undertaken after the IMO last year issued a statement of concern over the practice. Some environmental groups had been hoping that it could lay the ground work for a full moratorium on ocean fertilisation projects, but Whaley expressed confidence that the review would allow pilot projects covering areas of up to 200 square kilometres to continue.