ECO PRO What is “Blue Carbon” and Why Should I Care? – by Alex Brylske, Ph.D., President, Ocean Education International, LLC
Last month, I explained the pur- pose and value of “carbon calcula- tors” and why dive centers should consider incorporating them into their travel programs. I explicitly rec- ommended the calculator maintained
carbon superior to terrestrial options for carbon seques- tration? 1. Long-Term Carbon Storage in Sediments. Unlike terrestrial ecosystems, which store carbon primarily in plant biomass, blue carbon ecosystems store most of their carbon in sediments. These sediments, often anaerobic (oxygen-poor), significantly slow down the decomposition of organic material, allowing carbon to remain trapped for millennia. For example, mangrove sediments can store car- bon for up to 5,000 years, and seagrass meadows lock away carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. This means the seafloor beneath a lush seagrass meadow or mangrove forest is a hidden carbon vault, quietly stabiliz- ing our climate. 2. Higher Carbon Density. Blue carbon ecosystems can store more carbon per unit area than most ter- restrial ecosystems. For instance, one hectare (2.4 acres) of mangroves can store as much carbon as three to five hectares of tropical forest. Seagrass beds, though covering only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, are responsi- ble for approximately 10 percent of the ocean's carbon storage. This small footprint belies their massive contribution to climate stability. 3. Continuous Carbon Capture. Unlike forests, where carbon sequestration may plateau as trees mature, blue car- bon ecosystems continue to accumulate carbon indefi- nitely in their sediments. For example, the layers of organic material in salt marshes builds up over centuries, creating a historical archive of carbon storage. 4. Resilience to Disturbance. While terrestrial ecosys- tems are vulnerable to disturbances like wildfires, pests, and deforestation, blue carbon ecosystems are more re- silient. Even when above-ground vegetation is damaged, the carbon stored in sediments remains largely intact, pro- vided the sediment is not disturbed. This highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems from dredging and coastal development.
by the non-profit organization, The Ocean Foundation, because it only funds “blue carbon” projects. However, I did not explain precisely what “blue carbon” is nor why such projects are superior to more familiar terrestrial car- bon sequestration programs, such as reforestation or other carbon capture strategies. So, let’s explore what blue car- bon is all about and why it should be the preferred choice for divers and other ocean lovers. The ocean is more than just a playground; it is vital to our planet's health and climate stability.
Among the ocean’s many functions, its ability to capture and sequester carbon is particularly noteworthy because it is crucial in combating climate
change. While terres- trial ecosystems like tropical and temperate forests have long been heralded as the cham- pions of carbon storage, “blue carbon” ecosystems sur- pass their land-based counterparts in many ways. What Are Blue Carbon Ecosystems? Blue carbon ecosystems refer to three coastal marine habitats. Mangroves: Tropical and subtropical trees and ▪ shrubs growing in saline coastal waters. Seagrasses: Underwater flowering plants found in ▪ shallow, sunlit waters around the globe. Salt Marshes: Coastal wetlands flooded and drained ▪ by saltwater brought in by tides. These ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, capturing CO2 and storing it in both plant biomass and sediments for hundreds or even thousands of years. But why is blue
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