Breakthrough Methodology Independently Quantifies Carbon Dioxide Removal From A Kelp Farm
XPRIZE Carbon Removal finalist Kelp Blue, atdepth MRV Inc., and Kelp Forest Foundation jointly announce the completion of an independent quantification of carbon dioxide removal from kelp farming. atdepth has developed and implemented the first comprehensive methodology for accurately quantifying carbon sequestration and atmospheric carbon dioxideremoval from giant kelp farming operations.
The new methodology was applied at Kelp Blue’s commercial farm near Lüderitz, Namibia showing that kelp cultivation can remove atmospheric CO2 in a measurable, permanent way -clearing a major hurdle for seaweed-based climate solutions. The breakthrough is a result of an independent collaboration that combines Kelp Blue’s commercial-scale operations, atdepth’s high resolution ocean modeling, and the Kelp Forest Foundation’s ecosystem science and methodology development expertise.
“We’ve long known kelp has potential to help address climate change. What we needed was a way to measure it.” said Daniel Hooft, CEO of Kelp Blue. “Working with atdepth and the Kelp Forest Foundation has enabled us to bridge science and operations, creating a science-backed method to quantify kelp carbon removal, paving the way for credible, scalable kelp-based climate solutions.”
Key Innovations
The implemented methodology establishes a rigorous framework through the integration of advanced modeling technologies and monitoring data. This comprehensive approach effectively addresses the challenges of quantifying kelp-based carbon sequestration. The framework consists of four critical elements:
- Independent Quantification: Complete separation between the kelp farming operation and the quantification process
- End-to-End Ocean Modeling: Mechanistically resolves physical and biogeochemical ocean processes that determine carbon sequestration
- Atmospheric Uptake Quantification: Distinguishes between ocean carbon sequestration and atmospheric carbon dioxide removal
- Counterfactual Analysis: Measures additional carbon removal directly attributable to the kelp farm by comparing conditions with and without the farm, explicitly excluding harvested biomass carbon from sequestration calculations and focusing only on carbon permanently stored through natural ocean processes.
“Independent quantification is essential for carbon market integrity,” said Dr. Carlos Muñoz-Royo, CEO of atdepth. “Our scientific approach gives carbon credit buyers and registries confidence that kelp-based carbon credits represent real, additional, and permanent carbon dioxide removal.”
Path Forward
Building on this work, Kelp Blue, atdepth and Kelp Forest Foundation have identified a research agenda to further enhance measurement precision and reduce uncertainty. Areas of focus include:
- improved characterization of (refractory) dissolved organic carbon
- enhanced biomass monitoring systems
- refined tracking of particulate carbon transport.
“This independent assessment establishes the scientific foundation for kelp-based CDR,” added Dr. Suki Wong, Head of Ocean Intelligence at atdepth. “Our approach enables the seaweed industry to access carbon markets with independently quantified credits that meet the highest standards.”
In parallel, the Kelp Forest Foundation is working to help ensure the methodology developed here becomes part of a broader open-access framework that others can use. This is seen as a key step toward making marine carbon removal by kelp more transparent, scalable, and scientifically grounded.
“This work represents a significant leap in our ability to understand the dynamics at play for kelp carbon removal,” said Xu Ben Zhang, Program Lead of the Kelp Forest Foundation. “By contributing to this methodology, we’re helping ensure kelp farms can credibly participate in carbon markets and strengthen the field of ocean-based carbon removal”
For more information, access the technical whitepaper.
About Kelp Blue
Kelp Blue operates large-scale kelp farms in Namibia, producing sustainable biomaterials while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company is a finalist in the $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition.
Kelp Blue operates large-scale kelp farms in Namibia, producing sustainable biomaterials while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company is a finalist in the $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition.
About atdepth
atdepth develops and implements advanced measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) technologies for marine carbon dioxide removal, enabling ocean-based climate solutions with scientific rigor and operational efficiency.
About Kelp Forest Foundation
An independent nonprofit advancing the science and awareness on kelp ecosystems and their role in climate mitigation, biodiversity and ocean health.
Media Contacts:
Kelp Blue
Anouk Bosman, Marketing & Communications Lead
Anouk.Bosman@Kelp.Blue
Atdepth
Carlos Muñoz Royo, CEO
info@atdepth.org
Kelp Forest Foundation
Xu Ben Zhang, Program Lead
Xuben.Zhang@kelpforestfoundation.org
