This study investigates the impact of bottom trawling on atmospheric CO₂ emissions and ocean acidification. Using satellite data and carbon cycle models, the researchers found that 55-60% of the CO₂ released into the ocean by bottom trawling is emitted to the atmosphere within 7-9 years. Between 1996 and 2020, bottom trawling could have released up to 0.34-0.37 Pg CO₂ yr⁻¹ to the atmosphere, with local effects on water pH in some heavily trawled seas. The study suggests that managing bottom trawling could be an important climate solution. The research highlights that bottom trawling disturbs marine sediments, releasing carbon that had been stored for millennia. This carbon can be remineralized into CO₂, which is then released into the atmosphere or absorbed by the ocean. The study uses models to estimate the fraction of CO₂ emitted to the atmosphere and the impact on ocean acidification. The results show that the majority of CO₂ from trawling is released within a few years, making it a significant contributor to atmospheric CO₂ emissions. The study also discusses the limitations of current climate policies, which focus on measurable atmospheric emissions. However, the impact of ocean-based activities like bottom trawling on the carbon cycle is often overlooked. The research emphasizes the need for policies that consider the broader impacts of ocean-use changes on the carbon cycle, including the potential for localized acidification in semi-enclosed seas. The study concludes that bottom trawling is a significant source of CO₂ emissions and ocean acidification, and that managing this activity could be an important climate solution. The findings suggest that reducing bottom trawling could help mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO₂ emissions and protecting marine ecosystems. The study also highlights the need for further research to better understand the impacts of bottom trawling on the carbon cycle and to develop more accurate models for estimating emissions and acidification.This study investigates the impact of bottom trawling on atmospheric CO₂ emissions and ocean acidification. Using satellite data and carbon cycle models, the researchers found that 55-60% of the CO₂ released into the ocean by bottom trawling is emitted to the atmosphere within 7-9 years. Between 1996 and 2020, bottom trawling could have released up to 0.34-0.37 Pg CO₂ yr⁻¹ to the atmosphere, with local effects on water pH in some heavily trawled seas. The study suggests that managing bottom trawling could be an important climate solution. The research highlights that bottom trawling disturbs marine sediments, releasing carbon that had been stored for millennia. This carbon can be remineralized into CO₂, which is then released into the atmosphere or absorbed by the ocean. The study uses models to estimate the fraction of CO₂ emitted to the atmosphere and the impact on ocean acidification. The results show that the majority of CO₂ from trawling is released within a few years, making it a significant contributor to atmospheric CO₂ emissions. The study also discusses the limitations of current climate policies, which focus on measurable atmospheric emissions. However, the impact of ocean-based activities like bottom trawling on the carbon cycle is often overlooked. The research emphasizes the need for policies that consider the broader impacts of ocean-use changes on the carbon cycle, including the potential for localized acidification in semi-enclosed seas. The study concludes that bottom trawling is a significant source of CO₂ emissions and ocean acidification, and that managing this activity could be an important climate solution. The findings suggest that reducing bottom trawling could help mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO₂ emissions and protecting marine ecosystems. The study also highlights the need for further research to better understand the impacts of bottom trawling on the carbon cycle and to develop more accurate models for estimating emissions and acidification.