What controls phytoplankton production in nutrient-rich areas of the open sea? Page: 6 of 23
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SYMPOSIUM SCOPE
The three-day symposium addressed the general question of the role of the "biological pump" in
the global carbon cycle, and the regulation of the pump in areas of the oceans where N and P are in
excess, i.e. the subarctic and equatorial Pacific, and the Southern Ocean. A physical, chemical, and
biological characterization of these areas of the oceans was presented, along with existing uncertain-
ties in the global carbon budget and the role of the biota in models of this budget. Changes in the
global CO2 cycle over geological time scales, and hypothesized causes for the changes, were analyzed
to provide a perspective and foundation for discussion.
The evidence in support of the various hypotheses for the regulation of productivity in the N- and
P-rich oceans was presented and discussed. Particular attention was given to the "iron hypothesis"
because of the unique set of concerns surrounding it, but alternate hypotheses and interpretations were
also addressed at length.
Much of the last day of the symposium was devoted to discussing the feasibility and advisability of
fertilizing large regions of the Southern Ocean with iron with the hope of mitigating the increase of
atmospheric CO2 and associated climate change. It was assumed, for the sake of discussion, that iron
fertilization would allow the phytoplankton to completely utilize the excess N and P in these regions.
Model analyses which estimate the amount of carbon that could, in theory, be drawn out of the
atmosphere as a result of fertilization were presented and discussed. The discussion explored the
potential effects on the food web, the influence on other areas of the oceans and atmosphere, and the
time scale of change. Our confidence in our ability to predict consequences of such intervention from
our current understanding of the ecology of aquatic ecosystems was discussed, and recommendations
for the future were formulated.
The following statement, which was drafted by a subset of symposium participants charged with
the task, reflects the general outcome of the meeting.
CONSENSUS STATEMENT
Introduction
There is mounting concern over recent increases in concentrations of "greenhouse" gases in the
Earth's atmosphere, and their potential consequences on global climate. Slowing the rate of increase
of these gases will be difficult. Because of the multiple sources and complex fates of these com-
pounds, a single significant solution to this problem is unlikely. Alternative technologies, such as the
development and use of non-fossil fuel energy sources in developing and developed countries alike,
should be pursued vigorously along with stringent conservation measures. Unfortunately, however,
-he time required to implement new technology, once developed, will be decades. Projections based
upon current gas emissions, and trends in population growth and economic development, leave no
doubt that all possible means of reducing the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's
atmosphere must be given immediate and serious consideration. These include more efficient uses of2
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Weiler, C. S. What controls phytoplankton production in nutrient-rich areas of the open sea?, article, June 25, 1991; United States. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1273023/m1/6/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.