Issue Area

Blue Carbon

Overview

Blue carbon ecosystems — ocean and coastal ecosystems that naturally capture carbon — can sequester and store more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests. As we lose blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and kelp forests, stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, effectively creating an additional source of greenhouse gas emissions.

To ensure that coastal ecosystems can continue to capture and store carbon, immediate conservation and restoration efforts are needed. At the state level, legislators can enact policies to advance conservation and restoration efforts.

NCEL Point of Contact
Alissa Weinman

Ocean Program Manager

Contact
Key Facts

Salt marshes and mangroves can remove carbon from the atmosphere at a rate 10 times greater than tropical forests.

Blue economies across the country contribute $373 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and support 2.3 million jobs.

Healthy coastal ecosystems serve as nursery and spawning grounds for many marine species, including species in commercial and recreational fisheries.

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Resources

NCEL Resources

Online Resources

NOAA’s Blue Carbon Ecosystems Factsheet

Healthy marine habitats and ecosystems contribute to carbon sequestration.

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Stanford Blue Carbon Report and Policy Brief

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EPA’s study on seagrass as a proponent of Blue Carbon

Seagrass and other marine life serve within Blue Carbon ecosystems to provide carbon storage.

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Exploring Our Changing Ocean - OA Alliance

This includes the development of six interactive StoryMaps showcasing relevant ocean acidification trends, science activities, stakeholder engagements and policy responses taking place across regions where NOAA supports U.S. Coastal Acidification Networks.

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