In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on innovative strategies for carbon dioxide removal from the ocean, highlighting the potential of direct ocean capture and biological approaches. Direct ocean capture aims to extract carbon dioxide from seawater, with options for either utilization or long-term storage in geological reservoirs.

The meeting emphasized the importance of enhancing carbon biomass in marine organisms and detrital material found in marine sediments and coastal areas. A key focus was on the biological pump, a natural process driven by marine organisms, particularly phytoplankton, which plays a crucial role in sequestering carbon from the surface ocean to the deep sea.

Various methods were proposed, including ocean fertilization, marine aquaculture, and artificial upwelling, all of which could contribute to increasing carbon capture in marine environments. However, the participants underscored the necessity for targeted research to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these marine carbon dioxide removal techniques.

Key areas identified for further investigation include the efficacy, additionality, and durability of these approaches, as well as engineering constraints, energy and resource demands, scalability, and overall technical readiness. The meeting concluded with a call for comprehensive research and development efforts to advance these promising solutions in the fight against climate change.