Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the research study conducted by the Natural Environment Research Council Plymouth marine laboratory into the use of the phytoplankton coccolithophores to mitigate the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.
Mr. JacksonProgress has been made on determining from satellite images the distribution and abundance of coccolithophores. Further studies are planned on their importance in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Research at the Plymouth marine laboratory is not specifically directed at using coccolithophores to influence the global climate.