The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has received a permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a small-scale ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) trial through the LOC-NESS project.
The initiative will test ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), a method that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by boosting the ocean’s natural carbon uptake process.
Following a year-long review and two public comment periods, the EPA concluded the project demonstrates “scientific rigor” and poses minimal risk to human health or the marine environment.
The trial, scheduled for summer 2025 in the Gulf of Maine, will introduce up to 17,000 gallons of purified sodium hydroxide to the ocean.
Modeling and previous experiments suggest the solution will quickly dilute to a safe pH level below 9—lower than that of common drinking water.
Relevant: The National Academies Ocean Studies Board To Establish A Standing Committee On mCDR
This research builds on earlier field simulations and national efforts to evaluate CDR strategies outlined in the federal government’s 2024 Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Strategy.
Supported by philanthropic and federal sources, LOC-NESS is the only U.S. marine CDR trial not linked to industry, WHOI said in a statement last week.
Project lead Dr. Adam Subhas emphasized the importance of transparent, science-driven research to assess the viability of emerging climate solutions.
The team has conducted over 50 outreach events and incorporated feedback from fishers, Indigenous communities, and policy makers into the study’s design.
According to the EPA, the study’s environmental monitoring plan and design minimize potential impacts while enabling rigorous data collection.
The results will support public understanding and regulatory decisions on future carbon removal technologies.
All LOC-NESS research data and updates will be made publicly available on the project website.
Read more: New Study Finds Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Has Minor Effect On Zooplankton
