UK TERRY WHITTAKER/202VISION Atmospheric carbon BLUE CARBON From sky Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is driving climate change to seabed SaltmarshSaltmarshes capture carbon through photosynthesis and The marine environment plays a crucial role store carbon washed in from sea and land in the carbon cycle. [...] and buried elsewhere Carbon reaches the seabed Particles from the sea of carbon are deposited and “Seabed sediments are the world’s largest buried on the seafloor. [...] 10 cm of the UK and Isle A pioneering review led by the Scottish Association for Marine 43% of the total organic carbon (105 million tonnes of organic of Man Science and commissioned by WWF, The Wildlife Trusts and carbon). [...] carbon tonnes of organic carbon are stored within the top 10 cm of blue However, inshore MPAs have the highest densities and rates of accumulates carbon habitats around the UK and Isle of Man. [...] carbon stores is the physical disturbance of the seabed by activities Collectively, the MPAs in the UK and Isle of Man seas are estimated at sea (e.g.
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- United Kingdom
Table of Contents
- BLUE CARBON 2
- From sky to seabed 3
- The marine environment plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. It has been absorbing atmospheric carbon for millions of years. 3
- BLUE CARBON 3
- The carbon within just the top 10 cm of seabed sediments has been estimated. 4
- How much is down there 4
- BLUE CARBON 4
- What are we doing now 5
- BLUE CARBON 5
- What needs to change 6
- Despite scientists warnings decades ago we are now experiencing the consequences of the joint climate and nature crises. We know enough to act and we must do so now. There is no time to lose. 6
- BLUE CARBON 6
- Recognise the importance of blue carbon 6
- Mandate all activities to undertake blue carbon impact assessments 6
- Ensure a just transition for fisheries 6
- Use Marine Protected Areas as a tool to protect carbon and biodiversity 6
- Strategically plan activities at sea 6
- Invest in research to fully understand blue carbon dynamics 6
