Summary:
Russ George proposes iron fertilization to revive Alaska's declining fish stocks
Plan could be enacted via a national emergency declaration by the US president
Controversial method aims to boost phytoplankton, supporting the marine food chain
George claims direct access to the Trump administration to advance his proposal
Debate continues over the ecological impacts of geoengineering solutions
Alaska startup pitches ‘iron fertilization’ to Trump to reverse fishing declines
Russ George, founder of Ocean Pasture Restoration (OPR) Alaska, is advocating for a controversial geoengineering technique known as iron fertilization to combat the decline in Alaska's fish stocks. This method involves adding iron to the ocean to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which in turn supports the marine food chain.
Russ George, founder of OPR Alaska, makes his case for iron fertilization on April 17, 2025 at ComFish in Kodiak, Alaska. (Photo by Brian Venua)
George argues that this approach could be authorized under a national emergency declaration by the US president, citing past precedents where such declarations have been used following natural disasters. He believes this could be one of the most important and least contested executive orders ever issued.
The proposal has sparked debate among scientists and environmentalists, with some questioning the long-term ecological impacts of iron fertilization. Despite the controversy, George is confident in his plan and claims to have direct access to the Trump administration to push his agenda forward.
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