Deep-ocean seaweed dumping for carbon sequestration: questionable, risky and not the best use of valuable biomass

Year: 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.013

Extra Information

Chopin, T., B. A. Costa-Pierce, M. Troell, C.L. Hurd, M. J. Costello, S. Backman, A. Buschmann, R. Cuhel, C.M. Duarte, F. Gröndahl, K. Heasman, R. J. Haroun, J. Johansen, A. Jueterbock, M. Lench, S. Lindell, H. Pavia, A.M. Ricart, K.S. Sundell, C. Yarish. 2024. Deep-ocean seaweed dumping for carbon sequestration: questionable, risky and not the best use of valuable biomass. One Earth, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.013.

Abstract

Deep-ocean seaweed dumping is not an ecological, economical, or ethical answer to climate-change mitigation via carbon “sequestration.” Without sound science and sufficient knowledge on impacts to these fragile ecosystems, it distracts from more rational and effective blue-carbon interventions. We call for a moratorium on sinking seaweeds to deep-ocean ecosystems until its efficacy is established, and there is robust, evidence-based assessment of its environmental, economic, and societal sustainability.