Coastal Blue Carbon

Coastal conservation, Restoration and Management

Sea grasses are critical juvenile fish and shellfish habitat.

Salt marshes provide critical shore protection services and essential habitat for juvenile fish, shellfish, and birds

In addition to their carbon sequestration potential, both seagrass and salt marshes support climate adaptation by improving habitat and the food chain for commercial fisheries; shoreline stabilization; storm protection and flood attenuation. Many blue carbon plant species also significantly raise the seafloor, again supporting natural coastline protection against sea level rise.

Restoring, protecting and improving blue carbon ecosystems (i.e., salt marshes and seagrass) across coastal areas is a key tool in achieving these goals.