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
Blue Carbon Fact Sheet
Blue Carbon Sequestration Thesis
Sea Grass DNA Diagnostic
Gartley Point Eelgrass Tying
Volunteers are needed to help prepare eelgrass shoots for transplant during our upcoming eelgrass restoration work at Gartley Point!
June Eelgrass Restoration Completed
Between June 2 and 11, six dedicated staff members, approximately 23 volunteers and the UB Diving crew worked together to accomplish the impressive task of transplanting 6,000 stems of eelgrass!
Carbon Stocks, Sources, and Accumulation Rates in Eelgrass Meadows
Understanding carbon dioxide (CO2) sources and sinks is crucial for combating climate change. Vegetated ecosystems, including coastal habitats like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, play a significant role in capturing and storing carbon, known as “blue carbon.”