Ocean Fertilization

Ocean nutrient fertilization is a form of biotic marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).

This approach involves the addition of micronutrients (e.g. iron) and/or macronutrients (e.g. nitrogen or phosphorous) to the surface ocean with the deliberate intent to (1) increase photosynthesis by marine phytoplankton, and thus enhance uptake of carbon dioxide from surface waters, and to (2) enhance the transfer of the newly formed organic carbon to the deep sea, away from the surface layer that is in immediate contact with the atmosphere.

This method is in the research stage currently, and is not yet implemented at scale as a climate solution.