The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved new frameworks for assessing marine geoengineering research activities during a meeting at its headquarters in London. This decision was made in response to the growing interest in technologies for mitigating climate change. Marine geoengineering refers to methods designed to enhance the oceans' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or to store carbon for extended periods.
Assessment Frameworks and Their Objectives
During this meeting, the parties to the 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention) and its 1996 Protocol adopted a resolution that establishes assessment frameworks for various marine geoengineering methods, including ocean fertilization, ocean alkalinization, and ocean biomass sinking. These frameworks assist governments in determining on a case-by-case basis whether proposed activities are considered legitimate scientific research and whether they can proceed without unacceptable risks to the marine environment.
Precautionary Approach and Next Steps
Within these frameworks, all proposals must demonstrate a legitimate scientific purpose, a comprehensive assessment of environmental risks, appropriate consultation with stakeholders, and peer review, and must include rigorous monitoring and transparent reporting. The parties emphasized that scientific knowledge in this area is limited, and research should proceed with caution, prioritizing environmental protection. Further scientific research is needed before any activities extend beyond the research phase.
The approval of these frameworks underscores the essential role of the London Convention and the London Protocol in responding to new and rapidly evolving human activities in the oceans. During this meeting, guidelines for the management of the end-of-life fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) vessels and alternatives for marine disposal were also approved.
The 48th Consultative Meeting of the London Convention and the 21st Meeting of the Parties to the London Protocol (LC 48/LP 21) will be held from October 5 to 9, 2026, at the IMO headquarters in London. This meeting will be chaired by Ms. Radia Razak from South Africa.
