Summary/Abstract
This report presents a review and synthesis of existing literature and other scientific information on the potential impacts of ocean fertilization on marine biodiversity, pursuant to CBD COP 9 decision IX/20, paragraph 3. The report demonstrates that there are uncertainties surrounding the viability of large-scale ocean fertilization as a carbon sequestration tool and potential adverse consequences for marine species, habitats and ecosystem function. There is thus an urgent need to establish a global, transparent and effective control and regulatory mechanism as well as to set in place a thorough prior assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed projects involving ocean fertilization, in order to ensure that such activities do not jeopardize human health or breach the protection, conservation and sustainable management of the marine environment or living resources.