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.
Lohafex ocean fertilisation trial fails to seize as much carbon as hoped 27 Mar 2009
Meeting in California in March will discuss possible field trials of schemes that would tackle climate change by reflecting sunlight or fertilising the ocean with iron 13 Jan 2010
Climate expert claims to have developed cleanest way of fixing CO2 in " biochar" for burial on an industrial scale 13 Mar 2009
Green groups argue geo-engineering concepts are dangerous and distracting 10 Aug 2009
Amendments may also give farmers a chance to sell carbon offsets on the open market 16 Nov 2009
Co-op vows to stop using oxo-degradable plastics as controversial research claims they have no environmental advantage over conventional plastics 11 Mar 2010
Developer of ultra-high temperature sensors secures £3m in latest funding round 11 Mar 2010
Negotiators stress support for Copenhagen Accord will not impact primacy of formal UN negotiating process 11 Mar 2010
More news
Christian Kjaer, chief executive of the European Wind Energy Association, argues that a supergrid is essential to EU efforts to cut carbon emissions 11 Mar 2010
With the World Cup expected to provide a sales boost for television manufacturers, Hannah Hislop of the Green Alliance warns poor energy labelling will make it difficult for football fans to pick the greenest models 10 Mar 2010
Trewin Restorick wonders if the new Sustainable Restaurant Association can help green our cuisine 09 Mar 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
