Fishermen take interest in federal marine carbon dioxide removal research bill
Kodiak fishermen Theresa Peterson (second from left) and Danielle Ringer (fourth from left) educated Senate staffers about fisheries needs in the ReSCUE Oceans Act. Photo courtesy of Allison Shelley for Carbon to Sea.
By Sarah Schumann
A bill aimed at fostering research on marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is working its way through Congress. If passed, it would authorize NOAA to designate ocean areas for mCDR testing and make grants to fund this testing. While most fishermen have not yet heard of mCDR (much less talked with their elected officials about it), a few are starting to pay attention—and to let their views be known.
In March, two Kodiak-based commercial fishermen—Danielle Ringer and Theresa Peterson—traveled to Capitol Hill. With logistical support provided by the Carbon to Sea Initiative, the Alaskan duo met with six Senate offices and staff of three Senate committees to discuss the proposed legislation, which is titled the Removing and Sequestering Carbon Unleashed in the Environment and Oceans Act (ReSCUE Oceans Act).
“We spoke with both coastal and inland offices about responsible mCDR research and development and the importance of protecting America’s fisheries first,” Ringer explained. “Fishermen have valuable practical knowledge and observations that should inform how any emerging ocean technologies are researched and governed.”
