Tidal Research joins The Nature Conservancy (TNC; funding organisation), Cawthron Institute, the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science), Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd (PDP) and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research (MWLR) alongside Te Wahapū o Waihī and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to quantify carbon storage and sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions and sediment accretion at a restoration site and nearby salt marsh in Little Waihī as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Coastal Blue Carbon programme. Te Wahapū o Waihī lead the restorative efforts at Little Waihi. The Aotearoa Blue Carbon programme is an initiative led by TNC to restore coastal wetland ecosystems so they can capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Background

Blue carbon ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, saltmarsh, seagrass) can undertake high rates of carbon storage and sequestration. However, the loss of blue carbon ecosystems through coastal development and agricultural use has led to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity and resilience, and limits the potential of these habitats to contribute as carbon sinks. By restoring coastal wetlands, The Nature Conservancy aims to enhance carbon uptake and storage alongside enhancing biodiversity and the other ecosystem services coastal habitats provide.

The Aotearoa Coastal Blue Carbon programme focuses on engagement and partnerships with landowners, iwi, councils and central government agencies. Little Waihi was selected as one of seven pilot sites in addition to areas in Northland, Kaipara, Nelson and Tasman. The Little Waihi restoration project is led by Te Wahapū o Waihī who aim to restore farmland/pasture to a thriving salt marsh ecosystem.

TNC Blue Carbon Project