Blue carbon potential in the Otago Region
In partnership with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Tidal Research leads a project for the Otago Regional Council which involves conducting a spatial analysis and literature review of blue carbon habitats in the Otago Region. The project aims to produce a regional assessment of current blue carbon sequestration rates, areas of opportunity for blue carbon ecosystem restoration and the potential shifts in blue carbon habitats and restoration opportunities with sea-level rise. This project additionally involves identifying other important ecosystem services (e.g., coastal protection, biodiversity) provided by blue carbon habitats which could be used to inform decision making.
This project refines previous research conducted by Tidal Research, NIWA and the University of Auckland, which identified the current extent of blue carbon habitats and restoration opportunity within Aotearoa (Bulmer et al. 2023 - Hinemoana Halo blue carbon mapping and restoration opportunity analysis). Furthermore, this project leverages off the national MBIE Smart Idea project led by tidal research “Carbon sequestration via Aotearoa’s estuarine environments: Implications for greenhouse gas budgets” (see MBIE Blue Carbon Aotearoa).
Background
Blue carbon ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds) are able to absorb and sequester large amounts of carbon. The ability for blue carbon ecosystems to store carbon for long time periods, alongside the other ecosystem services they provide, highlights the importance of protecting and restoring these ecosystems as a nature-based solution to help combat climate change. However, blue carbon ecosystems have been declining due to threats such as coastal development, land conversion, pollution and more recently with climate change.
Mapping blue carbon ecosystems and quantifying their carbon sequestration potential is a key step to help recognise/highlight their value and improve the management of these ecosystems. Mapping of low-lying areas that are being prevented from tidal inundation (e.g., via stop banks) can also be used to assess areas of opportunity for coastal restoration. Consideration of sea-level rise will additionally inform potential losses of current intertidal habitats and additional opportunities for restoration which will be important for estuarine management.
Project status
June 2024 - Report review and finalisation.