Alaska kelp farms show mixed results for marine CO2 removal in new UAF study

A new University of Alaska Fairbanks study measured carbon dioxide levels at two Alaska kelp farms and found their effects were mixed. One farm slightly reduced local marine CO2, while the other added more. The study is the first to measure marine carbon dioxide removal in Alaska waters and highlights the complexity of using kelp as a climate solution. The research tracked hourly data on ocean chemistry, temperature, and oxygen from seeding to harvest. Factors like sunlight, tides, and marine growth on equipment caused the farms to flip between absorbing and releasing CO2. Lead researcher Josianne Haag said the farms are not harming anything but should not be overhyped as a climate fix. This study provides a reality check for the carbon removal industry. Kelp farming may play a role in decarbonization, but its effectiveness depends heavily on local conditions. The results underscore the need for more data before scaling up marine carbon dioxide removal projects.