Blue carbon potential in the Auckland Region

In partnership with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Tidal Research is conducting a spatial analysis and review of blue carbon habitats within the Auckland Region for the Auckland Council. The project aims to produce a regional assessment of current blue carbon sequestration rates in the Auckland Region to help the council make progress towards goal N4 of the Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan Action – “Maximise the potential of terrestrial and marine ecosystems to capture carbon”.

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. 2023a - 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 budges” (see MBIE Blue Carbon Aotearoa New Zealand).

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.

Quantifying the carbon sequestration potential of blue carbon ecosystems and mapping their extent is a key step to support the management of these ecosystems. Importantly, this will help to recognise the value of current blue carbon habitats, the cost of their loss and the potential value that could be gained through coastal restoration projects.

Project status

June 2024 - Report review and finalisation.