Blue Carbon Project Completed in the Fal and Helford SAC

A recent Cornwall Council project has looked at the potential of blue carbon marine habitats to tackle climate change. The study discovered not only one of the biggest amounts of a rare type of seaweed ever found in England’s waters but that it is extremely effective carbon store.

The research, led by the University of Exeter and Natural Capital Solutions Ltd confirmed the location and extent of one of England’s biggest maerl beds, the Fal and Helford SAC with an astounding 1000 hectares in size (dead and alive maerl). The study also confirmed that the live maerl present is extremely efficient at storing carbon, storing at an estimated rate of 841 tonnes or CO2 annually. This is the equivalent to nearly 4 million petrol car miles a year and five times greater than that absorbed by the combined area of seagrass, kelp and saltmarsh also in the catchment.

This is the first time the full extent of the maerl beds and the organic matter stored in the Fal and Helford SAC has been measured with the discovery now marking the location as a key national site for this irreplaceable blue carbon habitat. We all know how beautiful and important maerl is, but it is fantastic to see the science that can help further raise the profile of this irreplaceable habitat. Our ‘ancient woodland’ of the sea. Our Cornish maerl.

Discovery of rare seaweed helping in the fight against climate change - Cornwall Council

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