The Grandparents Fund for Climate Restoration (GCRF) is proud to announce the successful Phase 1 completion and transfer of the Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) Buoy Project, an innovative ocean-based CO measurement initiative, to DeepGreen Solutions. Based on this agreement, DeepGreen Solutions will assume full responsibility for advancing the project and scaling its impact.
Launched by GCRF in 2024, the buoy project represents a breakthrough in the effort to measure and verify ocean-based carbon removal. Deployed off the California coast, the buoys demonstrated the collection of critical real-world data on CO, absorption, forming a foundational step toward scalable, science-based ocean climate solutions.
This milestone marks one of the first steps in scaling up the Climate Restoration Industry, which is a fast-emerging sector focused on restoring atmospheric CO2 levels to pre-industrial concentrations (300 ppm) through large-scale carbon removal. The Climate Restoration Industry brings together science, innovation, funding, and global coordination to implement solutions at the scale required to secure a livable planet.
Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) is the most promising pathway to climate restoration due to its potential to remove tens of gigatons of CO2 annually. By enhancing natural phytoplankton growth in targeted ocean regions, OIF accelerates carbon capture and sequestration in the deep ocean.
By handing over responsibility for the specific implementation of OIF to DeepGreen, GCRF will now be able to focus more fully on the big picture-scaling up the industry as a whole and creating the enabling conditions that will allow OlF and other climate solutions to scale quickly and safely.
This big-picture focus includes the introduction and scale-up of additional Climate Restoration pathways such as seaweed cultivation, bamboo reforestation, and biochar production, with a growing emphasis on building resilience within frontline communities. It also encompasses the
development of the for-profit segment of the Climate Restoration movement, to be led by the Climate Restoration Venture Studio (in formation). If you are interested in investing in climate restoration, contact GCRF CEO, llan Mandel at ilan@climaterestorationalliance.org or +1-310-400-0265.
The Climate Restoration Alliance (CRA) and GCRF will continue to actively develop, support, and fund complementary projects and technologies to advance the OlF industry as a critical segment of the broader climate restoration movement. GCRF remains committed to this effort and is currently fundraising to support future OlF development phases, including expanded monitoring, safety protocols, pilot projects, ocean health monitoring and, and international
collaborations.
Thanh Huynh, CEO of DeepGreen Solutions, said:
“We’re honored to continue this work. DeepGreen is fully committed to scaling Ocean Iron Fertilization as a viable and ethical solution to the climate crisis. This work accelerates our shared mission, and we deeply appreciate the vision, dedication, and foundational work of GCRF and its donors, whose contributions have made this transition—and the next chapter—possible.”
In recognition of the progress made, GCRF expresses deep gratitude to its volunteers and donors who made the buoy project possible. Their dedication brought a bold idea to life and helped shift the global conversation toward measurable ocean-based carbon removal.
Ilan Mandel, CEO of GCRF, concluded:
“This collaboration shows what’s possible when vision, science, and community come together. We’re proud to pass the torch and remain closely engaged in the journey ahead. With this transition, GCRF can now expand its focus to fund additional projects and programs that collectively restore the climate.”
About the Grandparents Fund for Climate Restoration (GCRF)
GCRF, the philanthropic arm of the Climate Restoration Alliance, is a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to restoring a safe and healthy climate by supporting scientifically grounded, scalable carbon removal projects. Rooted in intergenerational responsibility, GCRF mobilizes philanthropic capital to accelerate breakthrough solutions.
About the Climate Restoration Alliance (CRA)
CRA is building the Climate Restoration Industry to return atmospheric CO2 to pre-industrial levels by 2050. It connects funders, scientists, and implementers to rapidly scale proven carbon removal solutions.
About DeepGreen Solutions
DeepGreen Solutions is a nonprofit organization committed to restoring pre-industrial CO, levels by mid-century. It leads science-driven efforts to scale ocean-based carbon removal through ocean iron fertilization and other nature-aligned technologies.