Summary
The 2018 Kīlauea eruption triggered a massive phytoplankton bloom by adding nutrients to the ocean—demonstrating on a natural scale what Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) aims to achieve intentionally
[image: The clearly visible green phytoplankton bloom during the 2018 Kilauea eruption, published on Gizmodo.com – Image: (USGS Coastguard)]
In 2018, something extraordinary happened off the coast of Hawaii.
As the Kīlauea volcano erupted, lava flowed into the Pacific Ocean—dramatically altering the surrounding environment. But what caught scientists by surprise wasn’t just the geological spectacle. It was a massive bloom of phytoplankton—microscopic marine plants—that suddenly exploded into view, so vast it was visible from space.
A natural experiment had just unfolded before our eyes.
How Lava Sparked a Bloom
When Kīlauea’s lava hit the ocean, it superheated the water and triggered deep ocean upwelling. This brought nitrate-rich water from the depths to the sunlit surface. Just like that, nutrients were made available in a part of the ocean where productivity is usually low.
Within days, satellite imagery showed a giant green plume of life—phytoplankton feeding on the nutrients, growing rapidly, and forming the base of the marine food web.
“This bloom is a powerful example of how ocean ecosystems respond to nutrient inputs,” said researchers from the University of Hawaii. “The event helped us understand how quickly phytoplankton can take advantage of favorable conditions.”
Source: Discover Wildlife article on the Kīlauea eruption
This Is Exactly What Ocean Iron Fertilization Aims to Do
Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF) is a climate restoration technique that works similarly—by adding iron, a vital micronutrient, to parts of the ocean where it’s lacking. Like nitrate, iron is a limiting nutrient in many regions of the ocean.
The Kīlauea eruption shows what’s possible when nutrients suddenly become available:
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Rapid carbon capture via photosynthesis
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Explosive growth of ocean biomass
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No harmful side effects observed
While the volcano added nitrates, OIF uses iron to stimulate blooms in High Nutrient, Low Chlorophyll (HNLC) zones—parts of the ocean rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, but poor in iron.
Nature’s Proof of Concept for Climate Restoration
The Kīlauea-induced bloom is more than an anomaly—it’s a natural demonstration of the power of ocean fertilization. And it reinforces key messages behind CRA’s work:
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The ocean responds quickly to nutrient availability
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Biological carbon removal can occur on massive scales
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Restoring marine productivity can enhance life, not disrupt it
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Strategic, science-based intervention is feasible and effective
Call to Action: Help Us Restore the Ocean—Responsibly
The Southern California MRV Project is CRA’s flagship initiative to develop the science, monitoring, and safeguards needed for responsible Ocean Iron Fertilization.
We’re learning from nature—and scaling its lessons with care.
👉 Support the project and help us accelerate a proven path to climate restoration.
Let’s restore our planet by working with nature—not against it.