UK becomes first nation to map its 'blue carbon' habitats

A new report from the Blue Carbon Mapping Project, led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science, marks the UK as the first nation to map and estimate carbon storage in all its seabed habitats. These "blue carbon" habitats, including salt marshes, seagrass beds, and seabed sediments, play a critical role, storing an estimated 244 million tonnes of organic carbon. Seabed sediments hold the majority of carbon, with coastal vegetated habitats also contributing significantly. The report emphasises protecting and restoring these habitats to maintain their carbon-capturing capabilities and bolstering future marine policy to effectively protect these climate-critical ecosystems. (The Conversation)