Leading the Way with Ocean-Based Carbon Capture
Capturing Carbon Dioxide one Oyster at a Time
At the forefront of combating climate change and mitigating greenhouse gas effects, we proudly stand as trailblazers, harnessing the exceptional capabilities of oyster reefs for carbon capture. Amidst the pressing need to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, our innovative strategy capitalizes on oysters' inherent filter feeding behavior and shell-based carbon storage. By allowing oysters to filter out carbon-absorbing phytoplankton and accumulating their carbon-rich shells in sediment layers, we create a dual-pronged approach that not only draws down carbon dioxide but also fosters thriving aquatic ecosystems. This natural and sustainable solution offers a harmonious way forward in our mission to achieve lasting environmental balance.
Why Oyster Reefs are the Best Option for Carbon Capture
Filter Feeding
Oysters are filter feeders, continuously pumping water through their gills to extract phytoplankton and organic particles for sustenance. Through this, oysters capture carbon from the water, aiding in atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction.
Carbon Sequestration in Shells
As oysters grow, they incorporate carbon into their shells as crystalline calcium carbonate, which comprises around 44% carbon dioxide by mass. Oyster shells act as a long-term carbon sink and sequester carbon for geological time scales.
Carbon Storage in Sediments
Oysters generate carbon-rich sediments as they digest food, leading to sinking deposits on the ocean floor. Their shells, upon death, add to the sediment layer. Over time and with ample shells, substantial limestone beds form, storing carbon.
Formation of Oyster Reefs
Oysters construct intricate three-dimensional reefs, creating habitats for aquatic species and flourishing ecosystems. The process of subtidal reef formation lowers atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Subtidal reef formation facilitates atmospheric CO2 drawdown through filtration and biodeposition of primary producers.
The Truth About Carbon
The Earth in its entirety is a closed system, with the amount of carbon remaining constant. Earth's carbon mainly resides in rocks and sediments, with the rest distributed in oceans, the atmosphere, and living organisms. These reservoirs work together to recycle carbon atoms.
​
It’s important to note that living organisms, whether photosynthetic or non-photosynthetic, do not make any net addition of carbon to the atmosphere. Living organisms cannot create carbon atoms and can only source carbon from their environment.
The major cause of climate change is adding more carbon to the atmospheric carbon pool through the use of fossil fuels. The carbon within fossil fuels was sequestered in the earth's crust before being emitted into the atmosphere.
The Role of Oysters
Living organisms experience a significant carbon turnover, but their actions don't cause a net increase in atmospheric CO2. Non-photosynthetic organisms use carbon from their food to grow, which reduces carbon in the air. Though digestion releases CO2 through respiration, their biomass growth decreases carbon in the atmosphere.
However, when they die, decomposing bodies release carbon back into the air. This ongoing biological cycle involves taking carbon from the air to build biomass and later returning it after death. This cycle is universal, from ancient bacteria to majestic trees. Photosynthesis aids carbon removal as these organisms convert CO2 into essential sugars.
This process works when they're alive and the sun is shining. At night, they release carbon through respiration, and upon death, their biomass decays, releasing their carbon back into the atmosphere.