This is an archival representation of v1.1 of this pathway. View the latest version here.
CDR Verification Framework
This is an interactive tool for understanding Verification Confidence Levels (VCLs) for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) by mapping key uncertainties for different CDR pathways. Developed in collaboration between CarbonPlan and Frontier. Read the explainer article, the Frontier post, or methods for more detail.

Ocean Biomass Sinking (Harvest)
v1.1
VCL
3


Component
Uncertainty
Macroalgae harvest
Leakage
Surface competition effects
Air-sea gas exchange
Outgassing
Materials
Energy
Deepwater recirculation
Ocean Biomass Sinking (Harvest)
v1.1
VCL
3
Ocean Biomass Sinking uses macroalgae to remove CO₂ from surface ocean, indirectly resulting in the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere. The biomass is sunk into the deep ocean to achieve long-term carbon storage. Here, we specifically consider approaches that involve harvesting the biomass before sinking it. This pathway is VCL 3, meaning that current quantification capacity can establish net carbon removal occurred, but significant uncertainties remain. View pathway documentation.
Total Carbon RemovalCO₂e
=DrawdownCO₂e - EmissionsCO₂e
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Materials
Energy
Project activity
Macroalgae cultivation
Macroalgae harvest
Macroalgae sinking
Deepwater storage
Deepwater recirculation
Outgassing
Surface competition effects
Air-sea gas exchange
Leakage