Blue Carbon
Pilot Project
Blue Carbon refers to coastal vegetation such as salt marsh grasses, eelgrass and other seagrass that sequesters or takes in carbon dioxide (CO2). This reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and helps to limit global climate change. These vegetation types also play an important role in supporting marine life.
Blue carbon vegetation sequesters carbon effectively and more permanently than terrestrial forests. Funds for restoration and protection of these vegetation types could be garnered through blue carbon credits, however, more research is needed to help quantify the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and stored by blue carbon.
Blue Carbon Pilot Project
Project Watershed, in collaboration with the Estuary Working Group, studied how salt marshes and eelgrass beds in our local estuary capture and store carbon from the atmosphere as part of the Blue Carbon Pilot Project.
Over time our Blue Carbon work turned into the Coastal Restoration component of our projects.
Fact Sheets and Reports
Eelgrass Update Spring 2026
Did you know that eelgrass beds are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, rivalling tropical rainforests in the biodiversity they support? These underwater meadows provide vital habitat for juvenile fish, filter coastal waters, and store vast amounts of carbon. Yet eelgrass is declining in the Salish Sea. We’re working hard to understand why, and to help bring it back.
Eelgrass Transplant Tying at Ships Point
We’re looking for volunteers to help prepare eelgrass shoots for transplant as part of our upcoming restoration work near Ships Point.
Eelgrass Washer Tying 2025
This is a volunteer activity you can complete in the comfort of your own home!