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Ocean Iron Fertilization experiments have sparked public backlash in the media

The history of ocean iron fertilization experiments has been marked by significant public scrutiny and controversy. In light of these challenges, enhancing transparency and fostering effective stakeholder engagement has become crucial in ensuring the responsible conduct of future OIF experiments, as a more inclusive dialogue can help mitigate public concerns and promote collaborative research endeavors that address the complexities of iron biochemistry1. This is particularly vital given that perceptions surrounding resource management can greatly influence stakeholder support and compliance, highlighting the need for participatory approaches that involve diverse community voices in the decision-making process2.

A 2012 experiment with ocean iron fertilization, conducted by the Haida Salmon Restoration Corporation, faced significant backlash due to a perceived lack of communication with local communities and environmental organizations345.

The LOHAFEX experiments in 2008 in the Southern Ocean also encountered public skepticism and criticism, as critics argued that the potential risks of the project were not adequately addressed67.

The resulting controversy underscored the importance of engaging various stakeholders early in the planning stages to align scientific objectives with local community interests and ecological concerns, which can ultimately enhance the legitimacy and acceptance of such initiatives within the broader societal context2.

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Footnotes​

  1. Smetacek, V., & Naqvi, S. W. A. (2008). The next generation of iron fertilization experiments in the Southern Ocean. Royal Society, 366(1882), 3947-3967. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2008.0144 ↩

  2. Johnston, E. M., Waltz, G. T., Kosaka, R., Brauer, E., Ziegler, S. L., Jarvis, E. T., Glanz, H., Zaragoza, L. J., Kellum, A. N., Brooks, R. O., Semmens, B. X., Honeyman, C., Caselle, J. E., Bellquist, L., Small, S. L., Morgan, S. G., Mulligan, T. J., Coscino, C. L., Staton, J. M., ... Wendt, D. E. (2024). Participation in collaborative fisheries research improves the perceptions of recreational anglers towards marine protected areas. Frontiers Media, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1330498 ↩ ↩2

  3. Gannon, K. E., & Hulme, M. (2018). Geoengineering at the "Edge of the World": Exploring perceptions of ocean fertilisation through the Haida Salmon Restoration Corporation. Wiley, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/geo2.54 ↩

  4. B.C. village's ocean fertilization experiment probed. (2023, February). CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-village-s-ocean-fertilization-experiment-probed-1.1396495 ↩

  5. Tollefson, J. (2012). Ocean-fertilization project off Canada sparks furore. Nature Portfolio, 490(7421), 458-459. https://doi.org/10.1038/490458a ↩

  6. Schiermeier, Q. (2009). Ocean fertilization experiment draws fire. Nature Portfolio. https://doi.org/10.1038/news.2009.13 ↩

  7. Mission to dump iron off Antarctica suspended. (2009, January). Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/mission-to-dump-iron-off-antarctica-suspended/articleshow/3984577.cms ↩