Blue CarbonWhat is it and why you should care
Phil ColarussoUS EPA
Blue CarbonCarbon that is associated with salt marsh,
seagrass or mangroves
Species in these groups have high growth rates and thus can absorb large quantities of CO2
Carbon is sequestered in the sediments/soil for as long as the habitat stays intact
Annual Carbon Sequestration RatesMangroves: 0.13 to 24 Mg CO2e/ha/yr
Salt Marsh: 0.01 to 63 Mg CO2e/ha/yr
Seagrass: -76 to 85 Mg CO2e/ha/yr
Tropical forests: -20.02 to 8 Mg CO2e/ha/yr
Importance of SeagrassSeagrass meadows are estimated to occupy
less than 0.2% of the area of the world’s oceans, but account for about 20% of the sequestered carbon on an annual basis
Loss/degradation of Coastal WetlandsMangroves
Globally losing 0.66%/yrGreatest losses are in Asia
Salt MarshData in many geographic areas is scarceGlobally estimated to be 1 to 2%/yr
SeagrassGlobally 1-3%/yr
Putting the losses in context
Emissions that result from conversion and degradation of coastal wetlands estimated to be between 300 to 900 million tons CO2e
Roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from energy and industry sectors for Poland and Germany
Seagrass stressorsReductions in water clarity/eutrophicationPiers/wharfs/mooringsDredgingInvasive species Trawling/shellfishing
What you can doReduce nitrogen
Cut fertilizer useEat lower on the food chainMass transit/increased fuel efficiencyLimit/reduce impervious surface
Avoid farmed shrimpBe a responsible boater
Conserve the Blue Carbon for me!