Blue Carbon

Recently, seaweed farming has gained attention as a potential Blue Carbon strategy, but empirical estimates of carbon burial from such farms are still lacking in scientific literature

About Blue Carbon

Blue Carbon refers to the organic carbon captured and stored by the ocean in vegetated coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, saltmarshes, and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems play a critical role in the global carbon cycle and contribute significantly to mitigating climate change.

Key Characteristics of Blue Carbon:

• "Blue" Nature: The term "Blue" signifies the watery environment where the carbon is stored, primarily in oceanic settings.
• Carbon Storage Mechanism: The majority of Blue Carbon comes from carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is directly absorbed by the ocean. Smaller quantities are stored in the form of carbon-containing molecules like DNA, proteins, and in the life forms that inhabit these ecosystems, from whales to phytoplankton.

The Importance of Blue Carbon Ecosystems:

• These coastal ecosystems cover just 2% of the total ocean surface but are responsible for absorbing 50% of the ocean’s carbon. This means that they store large amounts of carbon, far more efficiently than terrestrial forests.

Blue Carbon's Role in Climate Change Mitigation

1. Carbon Sequestration: Blue Carbon ecosystems act as carbon sinks, capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the ocean for long periods.
2. Climate Change Mitigation: As ocean-based ecosystems, they are a natural solution to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and slow the effects of global warming.
3. Biodiversity & Coastal Protection: In addition to carbon sequestration, these ecosystems provide vital services such as biodiversity support and coastal protection from storms and erosion.

Seaweed Farming and Its Potential

Seaweed farming has emerged as a promising Blue Carbon strategy due to its potential to sequester carbon and its capacity to provide environmental and economic benefits. However, empirical data on the actual carbon burial potential of seaweed farms is still in its early stages. Further research is required to assess the long-term storage of carbon in seaweed-based ecosystems and its role in global climate mitigation efforts.

In addition to carbon sequestration, seaweed farming also holds promise for:

• Marine biodiversity enhancement: By creating habitats for marine life.
• Sustainable food production: Seaweed can be a source of nutrition and has various industrial applications, including biofuels and pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

The concept of Blue Carbon highlights the ocean's significant role in carbon storage and climate change mitigation. Coastal ecosystems like mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass meadows are essential to our planet's ability to regulate carbon levels, making them a priority for conservation and restoration efforts. While seaweed farming has emerged as a promising addition to these strategies, more research is needed to quantify its actual potential for carbon burial and integration into broader climate solutions