Ocean Visions, a non-profit ocean conservation organization has released a database that provides a repository of the diverse entities in the marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) sector.
The organization said the Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Ecosystem Database highlights the range and flow of mCDR activities and the interconnected roles of participants in researching, governing, and developing mCDR solutions. The tool is designed to facilitate collaborations and knowledge-sharing across sectors, supporting responsible and sustainable research and development.
The ocean sequesters 30% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and 90% of the heat from climate change. However, excessive production of CO2, that is then absorbed by the ocean, is resulting in a chemical imbalance leading to acidification, damaging ocean health. mCDR aims to collect CO2 from the ocean, potentially helping to restore the balance. However, while considerable investment has been made in carbon sequestration, the technology has yet to prove its efficacy in turning the tide of CO2 reduction. And the focus on removing CO2, many fear, shifts responsibility away from preventing its generation and emission in the first place.
Moreover, as Ocean Visions notes, its impact on the environment is not clear. Most ocean CO2 is stored in sediments that, when disturbed by machinery, releases the CO2 back into the water column, reversing the benefit of sequestration. The organization hopes its database will help guide sustainable development.
The mCDR Ecosystem Database divides stakeholders into categories including academic and research institutions; funders; private sector; NGOs; registries; and government. The organization said it will update the document continually to remain relevant and comprehensive.
“We are pleased to make this updated tool available to all in the mCDR community,” said Ocean Visions CEO Brad Ack. “We hope that the mCDR Ecosystem Database will help inform decision-making, ensure transparency, and facilitate collaboration as the sector continues to evolve.”
The mCDR Ecosystem Database is an updated and expanded version of the first mCDR Ecosystem Map originally built by [C]Worthy, which transferred management to Ocean Visions.
