Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)

NROC is providing a forum for discussions and coordination around the emerging issue of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). NROC members, Tribes, and regional partners raised mCDR within the Ocean Planning Committee as an emerging issue in need of greater understanding in the region, specifically the management and permitting implications as well as the data and monitoring needs for this potential new activity.

mCDR refers to a portfolio of techniques that are used to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and lock them away permanently in the ocean. CDR in general is now considered to be an essential component of successful strategies for limiting warming to 1.5 – 2 °C. Examples of CDR methods include: Macroalgal Cultivation, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement, Coastal Blue Carbon, Direct Air Capture, Direct Ocean Removal, and Ocean Fertilization [NOAA CDR Key Messages].

NROC Webinar on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

NROC’s Ocean Planning Committee hosted a webinar on March 25, 2024 to learn about and discuss mCDR and implications for New England. This webinar is the beginning of a broader series on mCDR for NROC.

The objective of the webinar was to understand mCDR technologies as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s permitting process for mCDR activities under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Presenters from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) discussed mCDR implications for New England including updates on the latest science and information, recent research funding announcements, the Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Fast Track Action Committee, and permitting structure for mCDR.