Helping oceans help the climate
Growing Oceans is a team of scientists researching the role nitrogen-fixation plays in drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Learning how nature draws down carbon dioxide
Phytoplankton, the microscopic plants that live in the ocean, are the primary producers that sustain all marine life. Using energy from sunlight to photosynthesize, they pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it naturally in the oceans. Just like planting trees can be a natural pathway for climate and habitat restoration, enabling the growth of tiny marine plants may help restore ocean and climate health.
Our research is inspired by observations of natural volcanic hydrothermal vents that add nutrients to the upper ocean. Our goal is to assess how nutrient amendments might support phytoplankton growth and carbon drawdown in waters that don’t naturally receive many nutrients.
Collaboration
As scientific advisors to sovereign Pacific Island communities, we explore the potential of ecosystem services provided by nitrogen fixation and phytoplankton carbon to support local and national strategic development goals.
Science first
Growing Oceans is a not-for-profit focused research initiative based at AltaSea committed to the highest standards of peer-reviewed scientific research.
Co-design always
We co-design research with our sovereign hosts, engaging government, civil society, and private sector leadership while providing professional development opportunities for local scientists and students.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead an international scientific collaboration to generate new knowledge on the way nitrogen fixation powers phytoplankton to draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Our Team
Our team brings together researchers from universities across the Pacific with national governments, civil society organizations, nature stewards, and traditional knowledge keepers.
Contact
Join us in learning how our oceans can help our climate!