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Research explores marine carbon dioxide removal amid Gulf of Maine warming and lobster decline
Key points
- Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of global oceans.
- Inshore lobster populations have declined dramatically over 15 years.
- LOC-NESS initiative researches marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).
- Over £370m invested in mCDR sector in the last five years.
Ocean Warming and Marine Life Impact
The Gulf of Maine is experiencing rapid warming, exceeding 99% of other oceans globally. This environmental change is linked to a decline in marine species, including sea urchins, sand dollars, starfish, and notably, inshore lobsters.
Lobster fisherman Scott Lord has observed a dramatic decrease in inshore lobster numbers over the past 15 years, forcing fishers further offshore. This decline has prompted concerns about the future of marine ecosystems and industries in the region.
Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Research
Adam Subhas, a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, leads the LOC-NESS (Locking Ocean Carbon in the North-east Shelf and Slope) initiative. This research focuses on marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), exploring methods to enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon.
The ocean currently absorbs approximately 31% of atmospheric carbon. Scientists in the mCDR field are investigating whether this absorption can be increased to mitigate climate change and prevent global temperatures from exceeding the 2C tipping point outlined in the 2016 Paris Agreement.
Growing Investment in mCDR
The concept of ocean carbon removal is gaining traction, with significant financial investment. A new database from the Pulitzer Center, Ocean Carbon Removal Watch, tracks mCDR investments, field trials, and research.
Over the past five years, more than £370 million has been invested in the mCDR sector. Initial funding was primarily from the private sector, but US federal investments in 2023, totaling at least £44 million, have spurred scientific field trials.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Scientists are investigating marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques, such as those explored by the LOC-NESS initiative, to address ocean acidification and warming, which are impacting marine life like lobsters in the Gulf of Maine. This research aims to determine if oceans can absorb more atmospheric carbon, with significant investments now tracking mCDR efforts.