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Potential blue carbon from coastal ecosystems in the Republic of Korea

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Abstract

The sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and ocean into coastal ecosystems such as seaweed beds, seagrasses, saltmarshes, and tidal flats is an important and emerging area of interest due to their valuable role in carbon storage and potential for moderating climate conditions. Here, we investigated how these ecosystems in Korea can serve as carbon sinks and estimated the amount of CO2 that might be removed through aquaculture beds, artificial reefs, and sea forests. We also examined the benefits of restoring degraded coastal ecosystems. In total, we estimated that the 0.38 × 106 ha covered by Korean coastal ecosystems could potentially lock up approximately 1.01 × 106 t of CO2.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 609-735, Korea

    Calvyn F. A. Sondak & Ik Kyo Chung

  2. Department of Marine Science, Sam Ratulangi University, Kampus Unsrat, Manado, 95115, Indonesia

    Calvyn F. A. Sondak

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  1. Calvyn F. A. Sondak
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  2. Ik Kyo Chung
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Correspondence to Ik Kyo Chung.

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Sondak, C.F.A., Chung, I.K. Potential blue carbon from coastal ecosystems in the Republic of Korea. Ocean Sci. J. 50, 1–8 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-015-0001-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12601-015-0001-9

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