Blue Carbon Explained: Mangroves, Seagrass, and Salt Marshes

Blue carbon ecosystems store large amounts of carbon and deliver powerful coastal protection benefits.

Mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes are among the most efficient natural carbon sinks on Earth. They capture and store carbon in both plant biomass and long-lived coastal sediments.

These habitats also provide nursery grounds for fish, improve water quality, and reduce coastal flood impacts. Their multiple benefits make them high-value targets for restoration investment and climate adaptation planning.

Restoration works best with local participation, long-term monitoring, and realistic hydrology design. Protecting existing habitats is usually more cost-effective than trying to rebuild them after destruction.