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This dataset contains measurements of the top 50cm of sediment collected between 2021 and 2023 as part of the project sea4soCiety. Sampling took place in three locations each on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coast of Germany, the coasts of peninsular Malaysia and the Caribbean coast of Colombia. To quantify the storage capacity of blue carbon in coastal vegetated ecosystems (mangrove forests, saltmarsh, and seagrass meadows) and unvegetated marine sediments in each location and ecosystem five to nine 50 cm deep sediment cores were collected using a peat sampler (5.2 cm diameter, 50 cm length, Royal Eijkelkamp). Sediment cores were split visually according to visible physicochemical layers and each layer was thoroughly homogenized. Sub-samples for organic matter analyses were frozen at -20°C prior to freeze-drying. Freeze-dried material was pulverized with a ball mill (LLC Planetary Micro Mill PULVERISETTE 7 premium line, FRITSCH) at 500 rpm for 3 min. To determine the organic matter content (containing organic carbon) 3 g freeze-dried and pulverized sediment was stepwise combusted for 4h at 180°C, 300°C, 400°C and 500°C in a muffle oven (M110, Heraeus).
Salt marshes along the Wadden Sea coast are often shaped by anthropogenic alterations to their hydrology and sedimentation. To investigate the effects of hydrological restoration through summer dike openings on soil carbon storage capacities, soil samples were collected from four study sites along the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea coast, Germany. Each site featured restored areas, i.e., former summer polders reconnected to tidal exchange, and reference salt marshes adjacent to the polders. The polders varied in restoration age, i.e., 0 (control, not restored), 8, 14, and 28 years, forming a chronosequence for temporal analysis, while the reference salt marshes remained unchanged. Soil samples were taken along transects that represented different marsh zones, including pioneer, lower salt marsh, and upper salt marsh. The soil samples covered soil layers down to a depth of 100 cm and were collected in five sections of 20 cm using an Edelman corer. Total carbon, organic carbon, and inorganic carbon were analyzed using CN-elementary analysis and calcimeter methods. This dataset provides valuable insights into the potential of hydrological restoration measures to enhance soil carbon sequestration in salt marshes.
Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes, function as natural carbon sinks, thereby playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. These Blue Carbon ecosystems have been found to be effective carbon storage mechanisms, whilst also providing a habitat for biodiversity and enhancing coastal resilience.This factsheet provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant literature on the subject and the potential protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate adaptation. It highlights, that the integration of Blue Carbon into national inventories and international climate frameworks can strengthen ocean protection and contribute meaningfully to global climate action.
In order to assess grazing effects in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, three distinct salt marsh types were sampled: Baltic Sea salt marshes, North Sea mainland salt marshes and North Sea island salt marshes. Between 2022 and 2023, eight study sites were sampled, with transects laid out across the two management types (grazed and non-grazed), each management site at comparable successional stages. In each study site 6-10 plots were assessed. For the quantification of SOC content, soil bulk density and SOC δ13C signature, a single 30-cm soil core was taken from each plot. An Eijkelkamp peat sampler was used for taking soil cores. Dry soil bulk density was calculated from sample dry weight and volume. Prior to elemental and isotope analysis, macroscopic root residues were removed and soil samples were acidified.
In order to assess the differences in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks between contrasting geomorphological settings of salt marshes in Germany, three distinct salt marsh types were sampled: Baltic Sea salt marshes, North Sea mainland salt marshes and North Sea island salt marshes. 14 study sites were sampled between 2021 and 2022 covering gradients of different plant communities and management types. The sampled transects of the North Sea salt marshes spanned all three vegetation zones: pioneer zone, low marsh, and high marsh. In each of the 14 study sites, 8-12 plots were assessed. For the quantification of SOC content, soil bulk density and SOC δ13C signature, a single 1-m soil core was taken from each plot. An Eijkelkamp peat sampler was used for taking soil cores. Dry soil bulk density was calculated from sample dry weight and volume. Prior to elemental and isotope analysis, macroscopic root residues were removed and soil samples were acidified.
Vegetated coastal ecosystems have been increasingly recognized for their capacity to sequester organic carbon in their soils and sediments under the term blue carbon. The vegetation of these habitats shows specific adaptations to severe abiotic soil conditions, particularly, waterlogging and salinity, and supports therefore ecosystem functioning and services. Wadden Sea salt marshes in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) have been utilized for high density sheep grazing over centuries. At the beginning of the 1990s, in many parts of salt marshes livestock densities were reduced and the maintenance of the anthropogenic drainage system was ceased. In 2012, 17 years after the change of land utilization, the contents, densities, and accumulation rates of surface soil carbon were investigated at 50 sampling positions with different elevations along eight transects in Wadden Sea mainland salt marshes at Hamburger Hallig, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, under different livestock grazing regimes (ungrazed, moderately grazed, intensively grazed). Surface soil was collected in 150 permanent plots (2 m * 2 m) at 50 sampling positions, covering a salt marsh area of 1050 ha. The carbon contents, pH, and bulk density were determined from dried soil. The elevations of the 150 permanent plots were measured and annual vertical accretion rates were calculated from 17 years sedimentation monitoring. This study was supported by the BASSIA project (Biodiversity, management, and ecosystem functions of salt marshes in the Wadden Sea National Park of Schleswig-Holstein), funded by the Bauer-Hollmann Foundation and Universität Hamburg.
This paper examines the integration of "Blue Carbon Ecosystems" (BCEs) such as mangroves and salt marshes into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Inventory Reports (NIRs). While developing countries are increasingly including BCEs in their NDCs, reporting in NIRs remains insufficient. Only seven countries account for BCE, with mangroves being the most commonly included. Reporting among EU member states is even more scarce – with only France and Malta reporting on BCEs. The paper, aimed at policymakers and climate experts, emphasizes the need for increased knowledge transfer and further scientific research to improve BCE reporting.
Blue Carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, play a vital role in climate mitigation by storing atmospheric CO₂ in their soils.This paper highlights the critical need to distinguish between autochthonous (locally fixed) and allochthonous (externally sourced) carbon to ensure accurate carbon accounting. It states, that the inclusion of allochthonous carbon may overstate climate benefits and lead to over-crediting in carbon markets. To preserve environmental integrity, a conservative accounting approach is recommended, alongside stronger collaboration between scientific research and project developers.
This publication explores the scientific dimensions of blue carbon (BC) for global climate mitigation. BC is defined and criteria for identifying BC measures are outlined based on a comprehensive analysis of current scientific literature. The potential of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change and their significance in shaping international climate policy are assessed, while evaluating the possibility of incorporating BC emissions and removals in national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. Evidence-based recommendations for integrating BC into robust climate strategies are presented, offering valuable insights for interested policy makers, researchers and climate advocates alike.
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