Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)

Building Capacity for Informed Local Input

A new field of research and industry is emerging that could affect Alaska’s waters and communities: marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). The term mCDR encompasses a variety of experimental strategies to store excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere in the ocean for long periods of time with the goal of reducing the impacts of climate change. If successful, mCDR could provide benefits for Alaska’s marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. If done irresponsibly, it could also result in environmental and economic risks and pose complex tradeoffs. There is need for coastal Alaskans to have a voice in shaping the emerging field.

Examples of mCDR Techniques

  • Alkalinity enhancement: Adding crushed minerals or using chemical techniques to help seawater absorb more CO₂.
  • Ocean fertilization: Adding nutrients, like iron, to encourage phytoplankton blooms that pull CO₂ from the atmosphere.
  • Seaweed farming for carbon storage: Growing kelp at large scales, then sinking it into deep ocean areas to store the carbon it absorbed.
  • Artificial upwelling/downwelling: Using man-made pumps to move water up or down in the ocean to support biological processes or store CO₂.

What is the current status of mCDR?

Ideas for mCDR projects in Alaska waters are starting to get attention from researchers, industry and funders. If grown to scale globally, this could be a trillion-dollar investment sector rivaling the oil economy. No large-scale mCDR projects have been permitted in Alaska yet, but Alaska has been identified as a potential place for future mCDR field trials are or projects, and some early testing is proposed in the North Pacific. Public awareness is currently low.

Why does this matter to Alaskans?

Alaska’s coastal communities have a lot at stake. Commercial fishing, subsistence activities, and local economies all rely on healthy marine ecosystems. If mCDR methods are used here, we do not know how they could affect the ecosystem and existing ocean uses.

There may also be opportunities. mCDR research could support community-based monitoring, local job creation, or marine restoration efforts. This will only happen if coastal community leaders help shape the direction from the start.

Why are local voices needed?

Coastal communities are the first to notice changes in their waters. You know these waters best. Your knowledge is essential for spotting red flags, asking good questions, and identifying what needs to be protected. You can shape the rules.

Community Leaders and mCDR (CLaM)

The Community Leaders and mCDR (CLaM) project will bring together coastal community leaders to learn about mCDR and discuss what it could mean for Alaska.

We are hosting local outreach events and conversations in Kodiak and Cordova this fall and winter. These workshops are meant to build understanding, gather input, and support informed decision-making from within the region. 

Learn More

Information Webinar Series

The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network has teamed up with the California Current OA Network, the Ocean Science Trust, and NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program to host an informational webinar series on marine carbon dioxide removal.

The goal in the series is to deliver the best available information and to explore concepts related to coastal ocean carbon. Through this series of co-designed webinars, participants will gain a better understanding of mCDR technologies, limitations, risks, and learn how to become engaged.

See Webinars