Blue Carbon
Wrasse and kelp forest Holywell. Photo credit Matt Slater, Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Blue carbon is a term used to describe the carbon captured by the world’s oceans and coastal habitats.
Just like trees absorb carbon on land, certain underwater habitats do the same in the ocean. They trap carbon in their structures and in the seabed, keeping it out of the atmosphere for long periods. As such, they are a vital tool in stabilising climate change.
Cornwall’s blue carbon ecosystems include;
- seagrass,
- mud flats,
- salt marsh,
- maerl (an ancient coral reef)
- and kelp.
Cornwall Council is exploring the potential of blue carbon in Cornwall's coastal waters. From our Seagrass mapping and restoration, to the first ever UK Maerl Forum, our work continues to build our understanding of these amazing and valuable marine wildlife and use that information to better manage and protect them for generations to come.
Check out our blue carbon initiatives here;
- Maerl: Protecting Cornwall’s Hidden Coral-like Seaweed
- Understanding and Restoring Seagrass
- Blue Natural Capital Project
Seagrass Questions
Please feel free to ask any questions about Cornwall's Seagrass and our research into marine carbon storage.
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