Beschreibung: The aim of this deliverable is to establish a strategy for the proper exploitation and dissemination of the results obtained in OceanNETs. We develop guidelines for knowledge management and protection as well as dissemination goals and also identify the target audiences and define the relevant communication channels and tools.

Beschreibung: Net-zero climate policies foresee deployment of atmospheric carbon dioxide removal wit geological, terrestrial, or marine carbon storage. While terrestrial and geological storage would be governed under the framework of national property rights, marine storage implies that carbon is transferred from one global common, the atmosphere, to another global common, the ocean, in particular if storage exceeds beyond coastal applications. This paper investigates the option of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in different (marine) reservoir types in an analytic climate-economy model, and derives implications for optimal mitigation efforts and CDR deployment. We show that the introduction of CDR lowers net energy input and net emissions over the entire time path. Furthermore, CDR affects the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) via changes in total economic output but leaves the analytic structure of the SCC unchanged. In the first years after CDR becomes available the SCC is lower and in later years it is higher compared to a standard climate-economy model. Carbon dioxide emissions are first higher and then lower relative to a world without CDR. The paper provides the basis for the analysis of decentralized and potentially non-cooperative CDR policies.

Beschreibung: Net-zero climate policies foresee deployment of atmospheric carbon dioxide removal wit geological, terrestrial, or marine carbon storage. While terrestrial and geological storage would be governed under the framework of national property rights, marine storage implies that carbon is transferred from one global common, the atmosphere, to another global common, the ocean, in particular if storage exceeds beyond coastal applications. This paper investigates the option of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in different (marine) reservoir types in an analytic climate-economy model, and derives implications for optimal mitigation efforts and CDR deployment. We show that the introduction of CDR lowers net energy input and net emissions over the entire time path. Furthermore, CDR affects the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) via changes in total economic output but leaves the analytic structure of the SCC unchanged. In the first years after CDR becomes available the SCC is lower and in later years it is higher compared to a standard climate-economy model. Carbon dioxide emissions are first higher and then lower relative to a world without CDR. The paper provides the basis for the analysis of decentralized and potentially non-cooperative CDR policies.

Beschreibung: A common challenge in many ocean-based negative emissions technologies (NETs) is the difficulty of developing new global industries and supply chains, which could be necessary for their much needed rapid and large-scale deployment. Therefore, to facilitate roll-out, existing industries and infrastructure should preferably be utilised. For ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) by CaO, i.e., ocean liming (OL), the lime can be produced by calcination of limestone using the spare capacity in the cement industry. For OAE by NaOH, i.e., electrochemical brine splitting (EBS), the NaOH can be produced by electrolysis of waste brines from the desalination sector. In this case study, we investigate the realistic OAE potential of Spain, because of its large availability of limestone, its increasing spare cement kiln capacity, and its large and growing desalination industry. This case study shows Spain has a high potential for alkalinity addition to the oceans. Specifically, the total CDR capacity of Spain via OAE is 24.4 Mt yr.-1 with contributions of 22.6 Mt of CO2 removed by OL and 1.8 Mt of CO2 removed by EBS, assuming these processes are driven solely by renewable energy. Further, this case study provides a realistic estimate of the CO2 removal potential and life cycle emissions for alkalinity enhancement for a given region, in contrast to more general global or continental studies before it. By doing so, Spain’s annual carbon dioxide removal (CDR) capacity by OAE is also identified. Future work will look to include coastal enhanced weathering of olivine to the portfolio of Spain’s OAE approaches.

Beschreibung: This deliverable provides a summary of a two-day expert workshop conducted in hybrid format. The workshop’s primary objective was aimed towards identifying future opportunities within the global ocean governance regime to strengthen governance of ocean-based NETs in a comprehensive manner. The workshop was organised by the Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) as part of the work of Task 2.2 of the OceanNETs project. This deliverable follows a first online workshop (see Deliverable 2.3) that identified challenges within the current governance framework for ocean-based NETs. The second workshop consisted of breakout groups and plenary discussions designed to explore scenarios that reflect on identified governance challenges within the current and potential future global ocean governance regimes. Participants were asked to reflect on the concept of „good governance” and develop responses to the scenarios presented through specific prompts. They were encouraged to actively contribute to discussions that aimed to advance our understanding of the future governance of ocean-based NETs.

Beschreibung: Final Report, EU Concerted Action Introductions with Ships (MAS3-CT97-0111): Until recently, the importance of ballast water as a major transfer vector that affect aquatic ecosystem stability and modify biodiversity was not generally recognised, although studies on species transfer via ballast water in maritime countries have increased world-wide. Despite considerable research effort (national and international), there has been virtually no consideration of the effectiveness or standardisation of ballast water sampling methodology in order to monitor effectiveness of control measures. One key objective of the Concerted Action was to test monitoring systems for sampling ballast water. Two major intercalibration workshops compared sampling techniques. The largely varying conditions onboard ships require to develop a “tool box” rather than singling out one method, thereby combining qualitative and quantitative sample analysis for plankton species composition and abundance. The two intercalibration workshops delivered results allowing better comparisons of ship sampling studies around the world. The second key issue was to gain more insight on species composition in ballast water during ship voyages. This was achieved by ocean-going workshops (OGWs). The data obtained during five OGWs, using the “tool box” originated from European voyages (three OGWs) and during inter-ocean voyages (two OGWs). In total, approximately 700 samples were collected during more than 100 days at sea. More species and specimens were found in new ballast water, and communities were in general similar to outside seawater where ballasting took place. The highest number of phytoplankton species found was 52, including potentially toxic species. At most, 40 zooplankton taxa were found. Abundance and diversity of phyto- and zooplankton species remained fairly stable for 3-4 days, followed by an exponential decline. In some cases no living zooplankton were found after 9 days, in others about 10% of the taxa survived, remaining viable for 25 days (i.e. voyage Hong Kong – Hamburg). Sampling showed that in calm conditions phytoplankton exhibited a vertical zonation in ballast tanks. During rough weather mixing occurred causing increasing in mortality. For the first time in ballast water studies, traps were used with bait and light as attractants, catching taxa not seen in the net samples before. The effect of mid ocean exchange (MOE), recommended by International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a measure against unintentional introduction via ships, was studied. In many cases the number of taxa increased rather than declined while densities of specimens were diluted. A public awareness was launched, preparing a video, a leaflet, flyers, press releases, newsletter articles of International Aquatic Societies, an Internet homepage (visit the homepage at: http://members.aol.com/sgollasch/sgollasch/index.htm *) and several posters. A book on case histories, listing species previously introduced to European waters, was prepared especially to address harbour and regulatory authorities. Assessment of potential control measures (treatment) to reduce risks arising from ballast water releases included the evaluation and development of guidelines for ballast water treatment options. All participants provided input on references (e.g. grey literature, governmental reports, internal reports from harbour authorities, interim project reports) into a database kept by the co-ordinator. The Concerted Action reviewed and considered shipping studies both within and outside the EU. This provided a more balanced view of the state of the art and also enabled the Intercalibration workshops to consider and compare sampling methods as used throughout the world. During the CA many of these studies were completed and new ones studies commenced. It is recommended that the EU takes advantage of the well developed expertise within the network of the CA partners to gain momentum in an area where global solutions are urgently needed.

Beschreibung: This study uses an existing perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) of simulated ocean CO2 removal (CDR) to better determine sustainable pathways of ocean-based NET deployment and to provide information to constrain the design of subsequent modelling experiments. The results show that ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) can only help meet SDG13 (Climate Action) when other ambitious mitigation efforts are taken. This reinforces that OAE is not a substitute for emissions reduction, but could contribute to meeting our climate goals (if other factors suggest OAE is worth doing). For SDG14 (Life Below Water), the results suggest OEA can contribute to limiting or even reversing ocean acidification. Meeting many other SDG14 objectives is closely linked to also meeting SDG13. A key recommendation is therefore, that subsequent simulations in OceanNETs should only use SDG13 compatible baseline scenarios, unless there is some specific need for process understanding at higher levels of climate change. The analysis has also determined that the idealized CDR in the PPE is not suitable for determining many socio-economic constraints and the implications that these have for meeting the SDGs. Another key recommendation is therefore, that subsequent simulations within OceanNETs should use more realistic scenarios of CDR deployment.

Beschreibung: Carbon accounting is essential for quantifying carbon removal and determining required offsets. The valuation goes beyond mere measurement, taking into account factors such as temporary storage and the social cost of carbon (SCC). These valuations inform the issuance of carbon offsets, but governance frameworks also play a role in their issuance. For ocean-based carbon removal methods, such as ocean iron fertilization and blue carbon projects, cost-benefit accounting supported by SCC assessments is appropriate. Challenges arise for integration compliance systems such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). To align compliance systems with carbon accounting, an intermediary institution could facilitate the purchase and resale of international offsets while managing non-permanent storage liabilities. Ocean alkalinity enhancement, among ocean-based CDR methods, may fit into net accounting if monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) challenges are addressed. A proposed MRV approach based on the regulation of nonpoint source pollution can address these concerns.