‘SNH Commissioned Report 761: Assessment of carbon budgets and potential blue carbon stores in Scotland’s coastal and marine environment: This report provides the first comprehensive assessment of the carbon budgets and potential blue carbon stores in Scotland’s coastal and marine environment. So-called ‘blue carbon’ is captured and stored by a wide range of species of animals and plants from the microscopic plants found in the surface waters of our seas (phytoplankton) and the extensive kelp beds off the west coast to the mussel beds and cold water coral reefs. The global ocean plays a vital role in trapping and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (one of the so-called greenhouse gases) that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere and contribute to the ongoing process of global warming; a service that until recently has been largely overlooked. The report highlights the extent of the different habitats around Scotland and their capacity to trap and store carbon in the short, medium and long term and the need to ensure the continuing good stewardship of our marine environment.’ To read more go to: