Fertilizing the Ocean with Iron Proponents

Johnson and Karl (2002) argue that recent criticisms of ocean fertilization with iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth are overstated, and that the issue should be looked at more carefully since we have no alternative method for reducing atmospheric CO₂.

Johnson and Karl assert that previous criticisms that:

ocean fertilization is not easily controlled
ocean fertilization does not mimic nature
ocean fertilization is not easily verified
ocean fertilization would likely result in deep ocean hypoxia or anoxia

can all be addressed. They conclude that we need to look at the issue more carefully before abandoning the idea.

Reference

Johnson, D. S., and D. M. Karl, 2002: Is ocean fertilization credible and creditable? Science, 296, 467.