Marine scientists from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Russia met virtually on 19 February 2021 to discuss conducting case studies to estimate seagrass blue caron in the selected sea areas in the Northwest Pacific (NOWPAP) region.
Seagrasses provide a range of critical environmental, economic, and social benefits and are considered one of the most valuable coastal and marine ecosystems globally. The sediments of seagrasses constitute one of the planet's most efficient stores of carbon. However, increasing anthropical activities have been bringing huge threats to the survival of seagrasses.
NOWPAP's Special Monitoring and Coastal Environment Assessment Center (CEARAC) has developed a web-based tool for mapping seagrass distribution by taking advantage of cloud computing. Using the accumulated knowledge and skills on mapping seagrass beds, CEARAC plans to conduct case studies on estimating seagrass blue carbon in selected sea areas in the 2020-2021 biennium. The nominated national experts will carry out case studies of estimating seagrass blue carbon in selected sea areas in the NOWPAP region and aim at encouraging decision-makers and the public to conserve seagrass beds by providing quantitative proof of the importance of seagrass beds.
The experts will conduct seagrass quadrat sampling in each seafloor substrates class in the flouring period (spring-early summer) and decaying period (fall-winter). They will calculate the seagrass coverage in each substrate class and weigh the dried seagrass of the Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and Below Ground Biomass (BGB) in each substrate class. They then will estimate the amount of blue carbon captured/stored in the seagrass habitat.
CEARAC plans to publish a booklet recommending practical actions for seagrass conservation in the NOWPAP region. The booklet will help relevant stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, private sectors, civil society, and students, to better understand the seagrass conservation issue. Quantified evaluation of seagrass blue carbon can provide a scientific base for policymaking.
