The International Maritime Organization has adopted new guidance aimed at ensuring geoengineering research avoids unacceptable impacts.
Marine geoengineering involves methods to increase the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or store carbon for long periods. However, their potential impacts on marine ecosystems are not yet fully understood.
The guidance is designed to help governments determine whether proposed activities constitute legitimate scientific research and whether they can proceed without risks to the marine environment.
Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General, said: “At a time when marine geoengineering is attracting increasing scientific, commercial and public attention, they provide regulators and researchers with rigorous and transparent tools for assessing proposed activities and protecting the marine environment.”
The frameworks provide a common structure for a precautionary approach for ocean fertilisation, ocean alkalinity enhancement and ocean sinking of biomass.
Each framework covers initial screening, environmental assessment, risk management, decision-making and post-project review.
All proposals must now demonstrate a legitimate scientific purpose, thoroughly assess environmental risks, ensure proper stakeholder consultation and peer review and include rigorous monitoring and transparent reporting.
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