Seagrass and Calcareous Algae Together Boost Carbon Storage

What is it about?

Seagrass meadows are important for capturing and storing carbon in the sediment below, acting as a sink for atmospheric CO2. The composition of the meadows, including the presence of calcareous algae, affects carbon sequestration levels. In a tropical seagrass-dominated embayment in Tanzania, meadows containing both seagrass and calcareous algae had the highest productivity and sedimentary carbon storage. This study highlights the importance of plant community composition for blue carbon sequestration and ecosystem productivity.

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Photo by Benjamin L. Jones on Unsplash

Photo by Benjamin L. Jones on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Seagrass meadows have the ability to capture and store large amounts of carbon in their sediment, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Understanding the factors that affect carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows, such as plant community composition, can help us better manage and protect these ecosystems as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Additionally, the findings of this study could inform the development of more effective carbon sequestration strategies, which are crucial for achieving global climate goals