A blueprint for blue carbon: toward an improved understanding of the role of vegetated coastal habitats in sequestering CO2
This review evaluates current evidence on carbon sequestration in mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marshes. It highlights their exceptional efficiency in long-term carbon storage, identifies key knowledge gaps in sequestration mechanisms, and outlines priority research and management actions needed to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems as nature-based climate solutions.
Subject Tags
- Blue carbon
- Nature-based solutions
- Climate resilience
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the valuable role that coastal and marine ecosystems play in sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon (C) sequestered in vegetated coastal ecosystems, specifically mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and salt marshes, has been termed “blue carbon”. Although their global area is one to two orders of magnitude smaller than that of terrestrial forests, the contribution of vegetated coastal habitats per unit area to long‐term C sequestration is much greater, in part because of their efficiency in trapping suspended matter and associated organic C during tidal inundation. Despite the value of mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and salt marshes in sequestering C, and the other goods and services they provide, these systems are being lost at critical rates and action is urgently needed to prevent further degradation and loss. Recognition of the C sequestration value of vegetated coastal ecosystems provides a strong argument for their protection and restoration; however, it is necessary to improve scientific understanding of the underlying mechanisms that control C sequestration in these ecosystems. Here, we identify key areas of uncertainty and specific actions needed to address them.
Citation
Mcleod, E., Chmura, G. L., Bouillon, S., Salm, R., Björk, M., Duarte, C. M., ... & Silliman, B. R. (2011). A blueprint for blue carbon: toward an improved understanding of the role of vegetated coastal habitats in sequestering CO2. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 9(10), 552-560.
TNC Authors
-
Elizabeth Mcleod
Global Director, Oceans. Global Oceans
The Nature Conservancy
Email: emcleod@tnc.org -
Rodney Salm
The Nature Conservancy