USC Professor Briefs Tonga Parliament on Phytoplankton Growth Strategy for the South Pacific

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A University of Southern California (USC) scientist recently briefed Tonga's Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Environment and Climate Change about a new approach to stimulate phytoplankton growth in warm tropical oceans, including Tonga's waters.

Professor Seth John, an expert in Earth Sciences at USC, explained that the technique could enhance ocean ecosystems and help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Phytoplankton, similar to land plants, rely on sunlight and chlorophyll to grow. The "Growing Ocean" project aims to add nutrients to surface oceans, specifically iron, which is crucial for plankton growth.

Iron is a limited resource in the South Pacific, but adding it could increase plankton productivity, boosting the food chain and potentially drawing down atmospheric carbon. Professor John highlighted that the 2022 volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai deposited iron-rich ash into the ocean, leading to a phytoplankton bloom and even increasing local dragon fruit harvests.

If successful, the research could not only aid in climate change mitigation but also offer economic benefits, such as carbon credits and enhanced fisheries. Initial experiments are focused on testing the effects of nutrient additions on ocean ecosystems, with promising potential for both environmental and economic improvements.