Seaweed Cultivation and Sinking for Carbon Dioxide Removal in Alaska

Meeting global climate change goals requires a rapid and dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. That will not be sufficient by itself, however. It will also be necessary to remove carbon dioxide, and potentially other greenhouse gases, from the atmosphere. One proposed approach involves the cultivation and sinking of seaweed. Alaska’s coastal waters, rich in nutrients, provide ideal conditions for seaweed cultivation projects. Moreover, Alaska’s coastal waters are more vulnerable to acidification than those in lower latitudes, making aquaculture particularly beneficial in this region. Alaska has made active efforts to streamline the permitting of seaweed cultivation, encouraging research projects in the area. This paper analyzes the potentially applicable laws and explains the permitting and other requirements they impose on seaweed projects in Alaska. The paper also provides recommendations for improving the permitting process to facilitate CDR projects, while still ensuring they occur in a safe, responsible, and just way.