Research Framework

MCFS technologies enable the growth of microalgae (phytoplankton) on organic and inorganic substrates. Once colonized, and after a predetermined amount of time that is based on the engineered substrate specific design (and not more than 30 days), substrates sink rapidly to the deep ocean, where carbon can be stored for centuries.

The work is lawfully permitted by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under domestic legislation that fully implements the inforce regulations of the London Protocol (LC/LP). Each permit authorizes a single, time-limited research activity; any further work requires a new EPA review and approval.

Yes. New Zealand is a Party to the London Protocol, which governs marine geoengineering research. National law fully implements LC/LP provisions for “purpose other than disposal,” environmental assessment, material disclosure, and local indigenous community co-governance.

Eligible components of the Substrate may include one or several of the following:

a. Non-toxic and non-hazardous organic material.

b. Non-toxic and non-hazardous inorganic material, such as minerals.

c. Trace elements (micronutrients) up to 2 % of the total mass of the Substrate.

All constituents are well-characterized and non-toxic.

For example, Gigablue’s v1 substrate formulation included clay, porous rock, plant-based wax, and minerals.

Research occurs within well defined, pre-permitted zones.

To enable flexibility in choosing the optimal location for the research on a given day’s water currents and weather, permitted areas are larger than actual trial footprint.

Gigablue’s last field trial (registered with NZ as GIGPA02) took place inside an area smaller than 16x16 km2 equivalent.

Environmental safety is managed through a stepwise research process developed with independent scientists and regulators. Before each trial, conservative environmental thresholds are identified and reviewed by experts. Experiments are then designed within those limits, deployed under permit, and monitored throughout their duration. Key parameters are nutrient uptake and impact on benthic ecosystems due to oxygen reduction and smothering. These are measured before, during, and after each release. Results are reported to the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority. Each field trial is small in scale, evaluated independently, and followed by a scientific and regulatory review before any increase in scale or complexity.

The substrate includes micronutrient oxides in a solid form, that are still bioavailable for direct consumption, similarly to the interaction of phytoplankton with dust particles. It does not fertilize the ocean, but rather actively exports phytoplankton that was cultivated within the substrate prior to its sinking. The trials monitor nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and oxygen, capturing any short-lived biological response. 

Controlled experiments, as well as modeled maximum surface concentrations and residence times, indicate negligible light reduction.

No. In MCFS, organic matter concentration on the sediment is designed to be low, as substrates are well dispersed after the floating period (max ~0.105 g m⁻² in the last trial) and is too low to affect oxygen.

Dissolved-oxygen profiles are collected to confirm stability before and after field work.

Moreover, with MCFS the deployment of substrates and its areal density can be fully controlled and eliminates risk of ‘high’ concentrations effects.

The small area and short duration of the activity make measurable ecosystem changes unlikely. Baseline and post-trial CTD, DO, nutrient, and chlorophyll-a casts verify system stability.

Field trials use an array of oceanographic sampling tools, drones, satellites, ROVs and more to measure currents, conductivity-temperature-depth profiles (CTD), dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients, chlorophyll-a, plume dispersion, and particulate organic carbon (POC) below the pycnocline. This data supports future MMRV protocols for marine carbon research.

Study design and monitoring plans are publicly filed. Data is shared with the New Zealand EPA and independent scientific institutions. The research team intends to publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

The permit, materials list, KML coordinates, timing and monitoring plan are public. Consultation with iwi and local stakeholders is completed before approval, according to the regulation requirements. Experimental plans are regularly discussed with iwi. 

Standard health and safety protocols as well as standard maritime procedures apply, such as: containment pens, radar reflectors, drifter buoys, satellite tracking, and coordination with Maritime New Zealand. Activities are short, localized, and low-risk.

Principle 15 of the 1992 Rio Declaration defines the Precautionary Principle as follows:

“Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.”

The principle establishes that uncertainty is not a justification for inaction. When environmental harm is evident, governments are required to take proportionate, science-based measures to prevent further degradation. Controlled and transparent research provides the information necessary to apply precaution effectively.