A new federal inquiry will consider how to regulate the use of seabeds and the geology below for storing carbon emissions.
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An international protocol is in force but there are proposed amendments that date back to 2009 and 2013 that need to be considered before Australia starts sucking in carbon.
The London Protocol started as an international anti-dumping measure to control and prevent marine pollution, with limited exceptions that require a permit.
But there are two amendments yet to be accepted by Australia that the inquiry will examine, committee chair Tony Zappia said on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will consider the environmental benefits and impacts of importing and exporting carbon for sub-seabed sequestration.
The committee's remit also includes the international market for carbon storage and the interaction of the proposed amendments with Australia's greenhouse gas inventories, regulations and reporting systems.
Marine geoengineering activity, such as ocean fertilisation, for scientific research will also feature.
Submissions are due by March 10.
Australian Associated Press
