Summary/Abstract
This note argues that there is a strong comparison between biotechnology and geoengineering, and that the current regulatory framework for biosafety can serve as a model for similar regulation of ocean fertilization. Part One of the note explains the concept of ocean fertilization, its potential as a climate change mitigation tool, and the environmental dangers that it poses. Part Two examines the three sources of international law that have jurisdiction over ocean fertilization activities: the London Convention and Protocol, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Part Three explores the Cartagena Protocol as a successful international agreement and framework for environmental regulation of biotechnology. Part Four argues that the Cartagena Protocols approach to biotechnology should serve as a model for the creation of a supplementary protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity that consists of a regulatory frame- work for ocean fertilization. Finally, the conclusion will review the Note and briefly address the possible future of ocean fertilization projects.