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European Marine Board Calls for Robust Monitoring Frameworks Before Scaling Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

European Marine Board Calls for Robust Monitoring Frameworks Before Scaling Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

The European Marine Board (EMB) has released its Future Science Brief Nº13: Monitoring, Reporting and Verification for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal, offering a comprehensive assessment of what is required to monitor, report and verify (MRV) marine-based carbon removal. The report warns that no marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) method is currently ready for large-scale deployment, and that robust, transparent MRV systems must be established before any expansion can be considered.

Marine CDR methods, ranging from seaweed cultivation and ocean fertilisation to ocean alkalinity enhancement and direct ocean carbon extraction, are still in early research or pilot stages. According to the EMB, none have yet demonstrated durable CO₂ storage, ecological safety or reliable quantification of net carbon removal.

Key Findings

  • MRV is essential to quantify net CO₂ removal, account for non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, evaluate environmental impacts, and assess long-term storage durability.
  • The current MRV landscape is fragmented and inconsistent, with jurisdictions using overlapping or incomplete protocols.
  • Major gaps exist in baseline data, long-term ocean observations, modelling capabilities, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Environmental MRV (eMRV) is highlighted as a critical but underdeveloped component, needed to track ecological risks and unintended impacts.

Core Recommendations

The EMB sets out targeted recommendations for policymakers, funders and practitioners, including:

  • Establishing a standardised global regulatory framework for MRV.
  • Requiring baseline monitoring of carbon and ecological variables before any intervention.
  • Investing in long-term observing systems, deep-ocean research and model validation.
  • Conducting rigorous Life Cycle Assessments and defining thresholds for unacceptable ecological impacts.
  • Ensuring open, FAIR data and full transparency across all mCDR activities.

A Clear Climate Message

The EMB stresses that rapid emissions reductions remain the top priority for meeting the Paris Agreement. Marine CDR, if proven effective and responsibly monitored, may complement, not replace, deep decarbonisation efforts.