Seagrasses are recognized for their many ecosystem benefits, such as filtering sediment, serving as habitats for marine life and protecting coastlines against floods and storms. Now researchers have found that seagrass meadows might also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon stores. Studies show that coastal seagrass beds can store up to 83,000 metric tons of carbon per 1.54 sq. mi. (mostly in the soils beneath them) and that the global carbon pool in seagrass beds is as much as 19.9 billion metric tons. Seagrass meadows can store up to twice as much carbon as the world's temperate and tropical forests.
(Source: nsf.gov)
Underwater Carbon Storage
- July 2012
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