This desk-based study published by Natural England sought to map the extent and distribution of blue carbon habitats in English waters and estimate the associated carbon accumulation and storage rates. The potential for recovery and restoration of coastal blue carbon habitats was explored alongside the key pressures that are driving habitat loss and inhibiting recovery, to identify opportunities for enhancing carbon storage.

The results show that the coastal blue carbon habitats (saltmarsh, intertidal mud and seagrass) are the richest in terms of carbon accumulation rates and storage per unit area, but that the largest stocks are held in the subtidal sediments, due to their vast habitat extents. The widespread nature and variability in the limited data available makes improving the evidence base around carbon stocks essential for evidence-led prioritisation of areas for protection. There has been significant loss of coastal habitats over the last century as a result of pollution, sea level rise, disease, urbanisation and industrial development around estuaries and the coastal hinterland, with only 10% of the historic extent remaining. However, there is potential for restoration and recovery of these habitats in terms of suitable areas based on physical parameters: up to twice the extent of saltmarsh and up to four times the extent of seagrass. Whilst this is still a fraction of historic extents and the maximum restoration potential is not practically achievable for some coastal blue carbon habitats due to location-specific constraints, it would make a significant contribution to improving resilience of the marine ecosystem alongside accumulation and storage of additional blue carbon.

To read the Natural England Research Report click here